Influence of Surface Layer Condition of Al2O3+TiC Ceramic Inserts on Quality of Deposited Coatings and Reliability during Hardened Steel Milling

The specific features of the destruction of tool ceramics, associated with structural heterogeneity and defects formed during diamond grinding, largely determine their reduced reliability (dispersion of resistance). This is most pronounced at increased heat and power loads on the contact surfaces and limits the industrial application of ceramic cutting tools. The surface layer of industrially produced Al2O3+TiC cutting inserts contains numerous defects, such as deep grooves and torn grains. During the milling of hardened steels of the 100CrMn type with increased cutting parameters, the “wear–cutting time” curves have a fan-shaped character with different wear rates. The resistance of the tool that was taken from one batch before reaching the accepted failure criterion has a significant variation in values (VarT is 30%). The study is aimed to evaluate the influence of the condition of the surface layer of Al2O3+TiC inserts processed by various types of abrasive treatments, such as diamond grinding, lapping and polishing, on the quality of the (TiAl)N and (TiZr)N coatings and the reliability of prefabricated end mills. The obtained “wear–cutting time” curves are characterized as closely intertwined bundles. The coefficient of resistance variation (the tool’s reliability) decreases by more than two times (14%). This can be used further in coating development to improve the performance of CCT.