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Alternatives to hardmetal for cutting tools
The Institute of Machine Tools and Manufacturing (IWF) and Advanced Manufacturing Lab (am|z) perform internationally leading research in the field of manufacturing engineering and machine tools. A recent research focus is put on additive manufacturing, sintering of alternative cutting materials, and machine learning. For a new industry related research project, we are looking for a talented student.
Niobium carbide (NbC) shows promising results as an alternative cutting tool material to tungsten carbide (WC) for turning of iron-based materials. Due to its hot hardness and low solubility of binderless NbC in solid chrome, nickel, cobalt, or iron, it presents excellent properties for cutting tool applications. These advantages result in a reduced tendency to adhesive and diffusion wear, which affects cutting tool lifetime and process stability.
It is our aim to use advanced manufacturing methods like spark plasma sintering to manufacture tools from new materials and material compositions, and test them in-houst to assess the performance with respect to conventional tools. As a first step, material compositions which are described in literature shall be used to set a benchmark for further investigations and possible industry related projects.
At IWF, broad expertise in cutting tools development is at hand. At amlz, advanced manufacturing processes are ready to be employed. You will dig into both worlds with a development project that has a strong sustainability aspect.
Niobium carbide (NbC) shows promising results as an alternative cutting tool material to tungsten carbide (WC) for turning of iron-based materials. Due to its hot hardness and low solubility of binderless NbC in solid chrome, nickel, cobalt, or iron, it presents excellent properties for cutting tool applications. These advantages result in a reduced tendency to adhesive and diffusion wear, which affects cutting tool lifetime and process stability. It is our aim to use advanced manufacturing methods like spark plasma sintering to manufacture tools from new materials and material compositions, and test them in-houst to assess the performance with respect to conventional tools. As a first step, material compositions which are described in literature shall be used to set a benchmark for further investigations and possible industry related projects. At IWF, broad expertise in cutting tools development is at hand. At amlz, advanced manufacturing processes are ready to be employed. You will dig into both worlds with a development project that has a strong sustainability aspect.
• Literature review with focus on alternative cutting materials.
• Specimen production using a spark plasma sintering machine and analysis at am|z
• Probe preparation at IWF with EDM and grinding machine
• Cutting radius preparation
• Cutting performance tests, with force, temperature and wear analysis
• Documentation / thesis writing
• Literature review with focus on alternative cutting materials. • Specimen production using a spark plasma sintering machine and analysis at am|z • Probe preparation at IWF with EDM and grinding machine • Cutting radius preparation • Cutting performance tests, with force, temperature and wear analysis • Documentation / thesis writing