A Study on Silicon Nitride Based Ceramic Cutting Tool Materials

The silicon nitride based ceramic cutting tool materials have been fabricated by gas pressure sintering (GPS) or hot pressing (HP). Their mechanical properties were measured and the effect of the fabrication variables on the properties were examined. Also, effect of adding TiN or TiC particulates on the mechanical properties of the silicon nitride ceramics were investigated. Ceramic cutting tools (ISO 120408) were made of the sintered bodies. Cutting performance test were performed on either conventional or NC lathe. The workpieces were grey cast iron, hardened alloy steel (AISI 4140, HRc>60) and Ni-based superalloy (Inconel 718). The results showed that fabrication variables, namely, sintering temperature and time, exerted a strong influence on the microstincture and mechanical properties of the sintered body, which, however, did not make much difference in wear resistance of the tools. High hardness of the tool containing TiC particulates exhibited good cutting performance. Extensive crater wear was observed on both monolithic and TiN-containing silicon nitride tools after cutting the hardened alloy steel. Inconel 718 was extremely difficult to cut by the current cutting tools.