Effect of Cutting Parameters on Tool Wear of Coated Carbide Tool in Hard Turning of AISI 4340

The use of high strength and heat resistant materials is increasing day by day in aerospace, automotive, steam turbines and nuclear applications. This paper presents an experimental investigation of finish hard turning under dry conditions using coated carbide tools. In this study the effect of workpiece hardness, cutting speed and feed on tool wear during turning of hardened AISI 4340 steel has been reported. Workpiece hardness and cutting was observed to be a highly significant factor to affect the tool performance. Finally different wear mechanisms under different conditions were reported. It has been observed that catastrophic tool wear occurred particularly at highest cutting speed used. Further the tool wore rapidly at high degree of workpiece hardness.