Characteristic properties of AlTiN and TiN coated HSS materials

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine mechanical and metallurgical properties of AlTiN- and TiN-coates high-speed steel (HSS) materials in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, HSS steel parts have been processed through machining and have been coated with AlTiN and TiN on physical vapour deposition workbench at approximately 6,500°C for 4 hours. Tensile strength, fatigue strength, hardness tests for AlTiN- and TiN-coated HSS samples have been performed; moreover, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis and microstructure analysis have been made by scanning electron microscopy. The obtained results have been compared with uncoated HSS components.

Findings

It was found that tensile strength of TiAlN- and TiN-coated HSS parts is higher than that of uncoated HSS parts. Highest tensile strength has been obtained from TiN-coated HSS parts. Number of cycles for failure of TiAlN- and TiN-coated HSS parts is higher than that for HSS parts. Particularly TiN-coated HSS parts have the most valuable fatigue results. However, surface roughness of fatigue samples may cause notch effect. For this reason, surface roughness of coated HSS parts is compared with that of uncoated ones. While the average surface roughness (Ra) of the uncoated samples was in the range of 0.40 μm, that of the AlTiN- and TiN-coated samples was in the range of 0.60 and 0.80 μm, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

It would be interesting to search different coatings for cutting tools. It could be the good idea for future work to concentrate on wear properties of tool materials.

Practical implications

The detailed mechanical and metallurgical results can be used to assess the AlTiN and TiN coating applications in HSS materials.

Originality/value

This paper provides information on mechanical and metallurgical behaviour of AlTiN- and TiN-coated HSS materials and offers practical help for researchers and scientists working in the coating area.

Citation

Sahin, M., Misirli, C. and Özkan, D. (2015), "Characteristic properties of AlTiN and TiN coated HSS materials", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 67 No. 2, pp. 172-180. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-10-2012-0097