Avaliação da concentração de alumínio no desgaste de ferramentas de corte recobertas com TiAlN

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation was to present the evaluation of the aluminum concentration in the cutting tools to analyze the wear after turning. This research consists not only in experimental analyzes, but also in analyzes using computer programs to capture, treat and quantify images. The three cutting tools used in the experimental analysis were made of carbide, as follows: one uncoated tool and two TiAlN coated tools with high and low aluminum contents, respectively. The research methodology used to determine the machining parameters and the characterization of the materials was adapted to the execution conditions available in the two public universities, partners in the scientific development, existing in Amazonas, UFAM and UEA. Some materials characterization techniques were used for both workpiece and the cutting tools. The characterization technique for the workpiece made of cast iron was done through metallography and Rockwell hardness. While, the characterization for the cutting tools and the coverings was performed by determining the parameters of the geometry of the cutting toos and by a Vickers micro-hardness test. In order to study the wear evolution of the cutting tools, turning was performed on the universal lathe changing the cutting tools and their edges according to the machined distances of 60, 120, 180 and 240 mm increasing gradually the number of steps on the workpiece. After the turning, images of the cutting tools were obtained by an optical machine to analyze the wear. In regards to the treatment of images, specialized software was used in the present study. Furthermore, a programming language routine was developed in order to quantify the wearied area. In addition, crater wear depths and material displacement values of the insert during turning were compared to each other. Finally, the results indicate the evolution of the differentiated wear for non-recoating cutting tools. Also, due to the variation of the aluminum percentage in the coating, different performance was observed directly related to the mechanical properties of the samples of the cases studied.