Performance of TiN and TiAlN coated micro-grooved tools during machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy

In the present investigation, turning experiments were performed on Ti-6Al-4V alloy with coated (TiN, TiAlN) and uncoated cutting tool inserts with different textured patterns fabricated on the rake surface. Performance of coated and uncoated textured tools were evaluated using machinability and surface characteristic parameters such as cutting forces, micro hardness, surface roughness, chip formation and tool wear. Based on the machinability evaluation, a comparative study was also made to identity the better performing tool while machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Experimental results revealed that TiAlN coated perpendicular textured cutting inserts exhibit better machinability in all aspects when compared with the other type of inserts. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.