Next generation cutting tools will require engineered surfaces to machine next generation materials in order to make military and space vehicles for the future. Materials such as aluminium-lithium, metal and ceramic matrix composites, advanced ceramic materials with nanoscale fibre reinforcement, nanostructured metals, and high alloy content metals, will be machined to meet the rigours of service over extended periods of time in hostile environments. Cutting tools will require nanostructured coatings that will act as diffusion barriers, thermal barriers, low friction contacts, and lubricant friendly surfaces, and will be required to last a long time operating under severe machining conditions. This paper shows how titanium based coatings have been developed that resist thermal breakdown under different machining conditions machining nanostructured, high alloy content stainless steels.
