High-efficiency and High-precision Machining of Difficult-to-machine Materials by PVD Coated Tools (1st Report): Dry High-speed Milling of SUS304 with TiCN Coated End Mills Deposited by UBMS Method

The UBMS (UnBalanced Magnetron Sputtering) method is applied to the coated end mills and some kinds of such tools are used in high-speed milling of SUS304. This coating film is designed to improve lubricating ability rather than heat resistance. TiCN film deposited by UBMS method (U-TiCN) has smooth surface and low coefficient of friction. XPS analysis reveals that the U-TiCN film includes many free carbons rather than carbide phases, and this structure acts as lubricant as well as thermoprotective film. Long tool life and good finished surface quality are obtained with U-TiCN coated end mills than standard commercially available coated end mills in high-speed side milling without coolant. An U-TiCN end mills having a low coefficient of friction suppress adhesion of workpiece material and overlap of chips to the cutting edge.