Small Grants for Exploratory Research: Renewable Soft Cutting Tool Coatings

本项目将研究陶瓷刀具在加工高温合金时，在刀具表面加薄一层铝的润滑效果。研究人员注意到，当铝被加工时，氧化铝-氧化锆切削工具的表面上有一层强烈的铝附着层。该项目将确定这样一层是否可以有效地减少加工难加工合金（如硬化钢和高温合金）时工具的磨损。如果该层确实提供这样的润滑作用，一些研究可以尝试开发实用的方法来利用和优化实际加工条件下的效果。高温合金和硬化钢的加工是一个重大的工业问题，特别是在飞机发动机的生产中提供了主要的成本。

This project will study the lubricating effect of a thin layer of aluminum on the surface of a ceramic cutting tool when it is used in the machining of superalloys. The investigators have noticed that a strongly adherent layer of aluminum deposits on the face of an alumina-zirconia cutting tool when aluminum is machined. The project will determine whether such a layer may provide effective reduction in the wear of the tool in the machining of difficult to machine alloys, such as hardened steels and superalloys. If the layer does provide such lubricating action, some investigations may be attempted to develop practical methods for utilizing and optimizing the effect under practical machining conditions. The machining of superalloys and hardened steels is a significant industrial problem, providing a major cost in the production of aircraft engines, in particular.