Where theworld gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
-----
What is the Maximum Temperature of Cutting Tools
Q. We have developed a new process to deposit thin layers of nanocrystalline silicon carbide. Given the hardness of SiC, one of the applications we are looking at is the possibility of coating cutting tools. As cutting tools are sharp and very thin, I was wondering what was the maximum temperature of the cutting tool (i.e. substrate) at which we could do our deposition of SiC without altering the initial properties of the cutting tool, i.e. sharpness, hardness, etc.
Thks
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
2005
A. An almost impossible question to answer because the temperature that the cutting tool reaches will depend on what it is cutting and at what rate. Furthermore, the actual temperature of the tool will be affected by its size and heat dissipation capacity. I have seen cutting tools reach red heat in local areas, which is about 750 °C. Silica tools have been around for some years and are extremely effective at cutting, but they are very susceptible to sudden shocks and can shatter. Using silica tools is a skilled art in a truly engineering field.
Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2005
A. Pierre, cutting tools used for machining metal are commonly made from high speed steels, such as AISI M2. The tempering temperature of the M series is usually around 1000 to 1050 °F. If your process stays below that, you will not affect the properties of the high speed cutting tool.
Cemented carbide tools can take far higher temperatures. That's why some of them are chemical vapor deposition coated, which exposes them to temperatures as high as 1800 °F.
Lee Gearhart
metallurgist - E. Aurora, New York
2005
"Handbook of Chemical Vapor Deposition"
on
AbeBooks
or
Amazon
(affil links)
A. When Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) coatings are applied on a carbide substrate, the temperature reaches 1000 °C. This, however, doe not normally present any problem with altering substrate properties. So, you can take this temperature as a benchmark.
I would appreciate if you can tell me more about your coating.
- Detroit, Michigan
2005
Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread