Influence of cutting edge radius on the wear resistance of powder metallurgy high-speed steel milling inserts

Abstract: The wear behaviour of powder metallurgy high-speed steel (PM-HSS) milling inserts is investigated experimentally. Cutting inserts with different cutting edge radii tested at various feed rates and cutting speeds were examined. The radii have been obtained either by microsandblasting or by honing. The initiation and progress of the tool wear was analysed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the cutting edges. The experimental results exhibit quantitatively the effect of tool radius on the performance of milling inserts. A radius on the cutting edge prevents fast and unpredictable wear, and can lead to a great improvement of the tool life