Optimization of wet micro-blasting on PVD films with various grain materials for improving the coated tools' cutting performance

The applied grains' material in micro-blasting of Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) films and the process conditions affect significantly the coated tools' cutting performance. Through micro-blasting, compressive stresses are induced into the film, thus increasing the coating hardness, but its brittleness too. Simultaneously, abrasion phenomena are activated, which may lead to roughness augmentation, film thickness decrease and substrate revelation. The paper deals with the optimization of wet micro-blasting conditions for improving the coated tool's wear resistance. The explanation of the grains' penetration into the coated tool surface and of the film deformation mechanisms renders the achievement of this target possible.