Development of micro-texture patterns of cemented carbide cutting tools to improve cutting performance

Micro texture on cutting tool inserts obtained via laser micro-machining has recently emerged as an environment friendly method to reduce adhesion on the tool s rake face and to improve friction conditions during machining. However, these benefits are strictly correlated with a correct design and behavior of the texture to be replicated on the tool surface. This paper reports an experimental study of developing an array of dimples on both rake and flank of commercial, cemented carbide cutting inserts using a picosecond laser source. Experiments of orthogonal dry cutting on E235 steel tubes were performed using textured and untextured tools to evaluate the improvements obtained. The improvements achieved were assessed in terms of cutting force and their impact on cutting performances. A predictive finite element model was developed to optimize the design of the dimples, to be replicated onto the rake surface of the tool.