Cutting characteristics of in situ toughened $SiC-Si_3N_4$ composite

현장인화 $SiC-Si_3N_4$ 복합재료의 절삭성능 평가

It is known that Si$_3$N$_4$ceramic insert has less hardness than A1$_2$O$_3$ceramic insert. But Si$_3$N$_4$ceramic insert has not only high toughness and strength but also low thermal expansion coefficient, which makes it has longer tool life under thermal stress condition. In this study, commercial Si$_3$N$_4$ ceramic insert and home-made SiC-Si$_3$N$_4$ceramic insert which has different sintering time and chemical composition is tested under various cutting conditions. The experimental result is compared in terms of tool life and cutting force. Generally, As the cutting speed and the feed rate increased, the cutting force and the flank wear increased too. The performance of SiC-Si$_3$N$_4$ceramic insert shows the possibility to be a new ceramic tool.