Performance of coated tungsten carbide in milling composite boards

The purpose of this research was to analyze the performance (wear resistance, surface roughness, chip formation, and noise level) of AlCrN, TiN, and TiAlN coated tungsten carbides in cutting composite boards. The composite boards of wood plastic composite, laminated veneer lumber, and oriented strand board were cut by the coated tungsten carbide tools in a computer numerical control router. The results show that the differences in structure among the composite boards resulted in the difference in clearance wear, chip formation, surface roughness, and noise level phenomenon. The abrasive materials in wood plastic composite generated the highest clearance wear on the coated carbide tools tested. TiAlN coated carbide tool provided better wear resistance, smoother composite boards surfaces, and lower noise levels.