INFLUENCE OF MACHINING PARAMETERS ON THE WHITE LAYER FORMATION PROCESS AND ITS CHARACTERISTICS IN TURNING OF HARDENED STEEL

This article contains results of experimental research activities of white layer formation (WLF) and its characteristics during a process of turning hardened steels (THS), which have been carried out in laboratories of DD Cimos TMD Ai Gradačac. WLF. Characteristics during the THS process were analyzed from the aspects of influence caused by machining parameters as well as tool flank wear width. Experimental tests of tool wear have been performed. The tool used in experimental tool wear was ceramic cutting insert CNGA 120408T, catalogue mark IN22 Al2O3-TiCN. In accordance with achieved results, value of tool flank wear 220 µm has been set as the criterion of wear. In accordance with defined wear criterion, determination of level and type of influence that machining parameters have on WLF and its characteristics were carried out in accordance with planned experimental methodology. Experiments have shown that cutting speed and tool flank wear width (for all other machining conditions unchanged) can be used for control of WLF and its characteristics. Structural changes in surface layer of the working piece, during the cutting process of hardened material, except for the WLF are also presented through a transition zone, e.g., dark layer, which has lower hardness than the initial material. Hard WL can take over a protection role for a machined surface from abrasive actions, while softened zone (dark layer) can take over a function of WL solder with the initial material. Analysis of achieved results points to a possibility of controlling the WLF and its characteristics, and therefore a possibility of using WL in a positive context. The basis for the above mentioned is the effect of additional plastic deformation of WL (APDWL), which occurs only under certain machining conditions. The effect seen, if follows WLF, results in decrease of machined surface roughness compared to its expected value. Accordingly there is a possibility for identification of WL on a machined surface by measuring the roughness parameters without previous metallographic preparation of samples.