Preparation of MoS/Zr coated high speed steel tool and its cutting performance

MoS/Zr composite coatings were deposited onto M2 high speed steel tools by medium-frequency magnetron sputtered coupled with multi-arc ion plated techniques. The thickness, micro-hardness and coating-substrate adhesion strength of the coatings were studied. Surface morphologies of the as-deposited coatings as well as wear surface features after dry machining tests were investigated. The experimental results indicated that deposition of PVD MoS /Zr composite coatings onto M2 HSS tools shows higher hardness compared to the pure MoS coatings, and exhibits significant enhancement in cutting performance. The wear mechanism of the MoS/Zr coated tools is mainly delamination of the coating owing to the elevated cutting temperature and friction force. © (2009) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.