Using multi-arc ion plating technique

YT14 cemented carbide milling cutters were coated with CrTiAlN composite films. Effects of the bias voltage on morphology

hardness and adhesion strength were investigated with nano-indenter

scratch test

scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the CrTiAlN coating contains mainly Cr

Ti

A

N and O. Cr

CrN

Cr2N and TiN crystal phases and AlN phase were formed during the ion plating process. Cutting performance of the tools coated with TiN

TiAlN or CrTiAlN was studied under dry cutting conditions. Cutting life for the tools is in sequence of CrTiAlN > TiAlN > TiN > uncoated. The wearability characteristics of the composite coatings were discussed.