# The Influence of nc-AlCrTiN/α-BN Coatings on Increasing the Durability of WC/Co Cutting Inserts in the Inconel Alloy Machining Process

## TL;DR

This study shows that using AlCrTiN/BN coatings on cutting tools improves their durability when machining Inconel 600 by reducing wear and heat buildup.

## Contribution

The novel finding is that adjusting coating thermal conductivity can significantly reduce tool wear and built-up edge formation during Inconel machining.

## Key findings

- AlCrTiN/BN coating reduces flank friction wear by over 70% compared to AlCrTiN.
- The coating lowers BUE and BUL formation by 10% on the tool face.
- Thermal conductivity adjustments improve heat dissipation in the cutting zone.

## Abstract

Anti-wear coatings obtained through PVD methods may significantly increase the durability of cutting tools by impacting their wear mechanisms. This study presents and discusses the results of studies on the impact of the thermal conductivity of PVD coatings on the intensity of the built-up edge (BUE) and built-up layer (BUL) formation in Inconel 600 alloy machining processes. The authors determine the microstructure, phase structure, mechanical properties (hardness, Young’s modulus, and adhesion), and thermal conductivity of different PVD coatings selected for the purpose of the study and varying in terms of conductivity—i.e., AlCrTiN and AlCrTiN/BN. Machining processes were carried out under controlled conditions using VBGT160404-M3 cutting inserts with AlCrTiN and AlCrTiN/BN coatings deposited on their surface. The authors prove that the adjustment of the thermal conductivity of PVD coatings to the thermal conductivity of the tool and machined materials can help change the direction of heat flow to cool the cutting zone more effectively. The study results presented in this article show that the deposition of the AlCrTiN/BN coating reduces the friction wear on the tool flank by over 70% and lowers the intensity of BUE and BUL formation processes on the face by 10%, compared to the AlCrTiN coating.