Title: Microstructure and material analysis of worn WC-Co ball-end mills

Authors: Hsin-Yu Kuo, Kevin Meyer, Roger Lindle, Howard Weaver, Jun Ni

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA. ' GE Aviation, 1 Neumann Way, MD E74, Cincinnati, OH 45215-1988, USA. ' GE Aviation, 1 Neumann Way, MD E74, Cincinnati, OH 45215-1988, USA. ' Metalworking Technology Laboratory, GE Aviation, 1 Neumann Way, MD E74, Cincinnati, OH 45215-1988, USA. ' Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA

Abstract: The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between microstructure and material content of used WC-Co ball-end mills. Samples were cut at key locations from three tools tested at identical cutting conditions. SEM was used for observation of the microstructure. Microprobe Techniques, EDX and ICP were used to determine the chemical compositions. The results showed that the microstructure is closely related to the cobalt content. Cobalt losses resulting from the machining process and microstructure defects resulting from the manufacturing stage were evident in worse performing tools. Differing grain-growth inhibitor contents might have led to additional performance differences.

Keywords: WC-Co; ball-end milling; cutting tool performance; microstructure; material analysis; cobalt diffusion.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2009.027127

International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, 2009 Vol.2 No.4, pp.427 - 440

Published online: 15 Jul 2009 *

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