Multi-response Optimization and Analysis Wear Mechanism of CBN Inserts in the Tungsten Carbide Hard Turning Process

—Tungsten carbide is a compound of tungsten and carbon which has high compressive strength and hardness. Therefore, Tungsten carbide is widely used in manufacturing tools, dies, and rollers. This paper researches to determine the optimal set of machining parameters and analyze the surface roughness and the wear mechanism when turning carbide materials using CBN inserts. A face central composite model is used to determine the optimal cutting parameter with minimum surface roughness, minimum flank wear, and both. Verification experiments with those three sets of optimal cutting parameters were performed. The tool wears characteristics for the three optimal cutting modes are also analyzed. The results show that mechanical abrasion, scratching, and wear due to adhesion occurs when machining carbide inserts. As the cutting speed increases, the wear due to adhesion increases.