A comparative study of the effect of different cutting edge forms on the machinability of austenitic stainless

In this study, the effect of cutting parameters on cutting forces and surface roughness in the course of machining of austenitic stainless steel materials by the tools having different cutting edge forms were examined. In the experimental studies, AISI 303, AISI 304 and AISI 316L type austenitic stainless steel materials were used. These materials were machined by cutting tools that have three different cutting tool forms (SNMG 12 04 08-MM, SNMG 12 04 08-MR and SNMG 12 04 08-QM) and three different tool edge radiuses (0,8; 1,2; 1,6 mm). Experiments were carried out in accordance with ISO 3685 standard by keeping cutting depth (2 mm) fixed under dry process conditions and by choosing four different cutting speeds (125 m/min, 150 m/ min, 175 m/ min and 200 m/ min) and three different feed rates (0,1 mm/rev, 0,2 mm/rev and 0,3 mm/rev). While measurements of cutting forces were performed through Kistler 9257 B model dynamometer, roughness value was measured with 9633 serial numbered Mahr Perthometer M1 surface roughness device. The results of the experiments showed that as the feed rates increased, cutting forces and surface roughness increased, too. Increasing cutting tool edge radiuses made positive contributions to cutting forces and surface roughness. As to the comparison of machinibility of the materials, similar values were obtained between AISI 303 and AISI 304, whereas AISI 316L proved to be a tougher material to machine. Also on the cutting edge in the form of cutting force and surface roughness values from QM, MR was higher in the form of cutting edge.