Study on the Cutting Performance of CrN/AlCrN-Coated Carbide PCB Milling Cutter

A CrN/AlCrN coating was prepared on a carbide substrate and PCB milling cutter by the cathodic arc ion plating technique. The organization, mechanical and tribological properties of the coating were studied. The milling performance of the coated milling cutters was investigated by milling tests. The results show that the surface of the CrN/AlCrN coating is smooth and dense without obvious defects. The coating has high hardness, low roughness and good bonding strength, presenting excellent mechanical properties. The coating showed better tribological performance and a lower friction coefficient under low load than that under high load, and the wear forms were adhesive wear and a small amount of oxidation wear. The coated milling cutters showed excellent milling performance when working at lower feed rates. The service life of coated milling cutters is significantly higher compared to uncoated cutters.