Tool Wear of TiCN-Based Cermet Inserts in Dry High-Speed Cutting of Low-Alloy AISI 4340 Steel

Abstract

Abstract: This paper examines the performance of TiCN-based cermet cutting tools in high-speed dry machining of steels. It also provides an overview of recent research highlighting the superior wear resistance and stable cutting performance of cermets compared to conventional carbide and ceramic tools. Particular attention is given to their thermal stability, chemical inertness, and ability to maintain cutting edge geometry at elevated temperatures. Numerical simulations of the stress–strain state and thermal field in the cutting tool and AISI 4340 steel workpiece were conducted using Autodesk Nastran and Deform 3D software. At a cutting speed of 450 m/min, the maximum von Mises equivalent stress in the tool reached 769.2 MPa, while the temperature rose to 1130 °C, which remains within the acceptable limits for TiCN-based cermets. In the cutting zone of the workpiece, temperatures up to 934 °C and stresses up to 1350 MPa were observed. The results confirm the feasibility of employing cermet tools for high-speed finishing operations. Tool wear was estimated using the Usui wear model, enabling a realistic assessment of tool life under actual thermomechanical loads. The analysis clarifies the operational characteristics of cermets and supports their application in modern metal cutting technologies.