PVD coating strategies: Developing a combination of AlCrN and AlTiSiN for enhanced surface performance during threading of super duplex stainless steel

Super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) is one of the difficult-to-machine materials due to its high tendency to work-harden and low thermal conductivity. According to recent findings, PVD hard coatings based on Al, Cr, and Ti are recommended for SDSS machining. In this work, three different PVD coating systems were applied for the threading process of SDSS. Monolayer Al50Cr50N, Al60Cr40N, and multilayer Al60Cr40N/Al50Ti45Si5N were deposited on cemented carbide inserts. This paper highlighted the effect of alloying and coating architecture design on the cutting tools' mechanical properties, tribological characteristics, and wear performance. A novel balanced combination of AlCrN/AlTiSiN multilayer coating with a Si content of 5 at. % was proposed, and it exhibited improved adhesion, beneficial mechanical properties, and superior cutting tool life. Furthermore, tribological characteristics under extreme environments were analyzed through a heavy-load, high-temperature tribometer, as well as XPS and AES measurements. The surface integrity of workpiece material machined by various coatings was also examined through microstructure, microhardness, and residual stress measurements. The depth profiles of residual stress reveal that the machining process significantly impacts the outcome, influenced by the tribological properties of the coatings. Specifically, the AlCrN/AlTiSiN coating exhibits a minimal effect on the surface. These investigations enhance the comprehension of the mechanisms that cause material mechanical surface transformation in threading operations, contributing to a deeper understanding of machining processes.