The process of combined abrasive jet blasting for cutting-edge preparation of carbide cutting inserts

Abstract

Wet abrasive blasting offers excellent surface quality for cutting-edge preparation; however, it is characterized by low efficiency and high cost. Dry abrasive blasting is a cost-effective and efficient method, this is because it has a high material erosion rate; nevertheless, it results in poor surface quality and is environmentally unfriendly due to dust pollution. This study proposed the Combined Abrasive Jet Blasting process for cutting-edge preparation to ensure high-quality cutting-edge surfaces while improving efficiency and reducing cost. The process involves initially preparing the cutting-edge through dry abrasive blasting, followed by wet abrasive blasting. Using an Alicona EdgeMaster, the cutting-edge surface roughness—which comprises the roughness of the cutting-edge, rake, and flank face—was measured following edge preparation. Using X-ray diffraction, the surface residual stress was measured, furthermore, the edge surface topography, and embedded abrasive were qualitatively analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the rake face roughness was similar to that obtained by wet abrasive blasting, moreover, Combined Abrasive Jet Blasting produced the lowest cutting-edge roughness and flank face roughness. In addition, Combined Abrasive Jet Blasting enhanced the cutting-edge preparation efficiency by 42.6 % compared with wet abrasive blasting. SEM analysis indicates that Combined Abrasive Jet Blasting yields excellent surface quality. Therefore, Combined Abrasive Jet Blasting represents a promising strategy for the preparation of cutting-edge with high efficiency and superior surface quality.