On rate-dependence of hardmetal powder pressing of cutting inserts

Abstract

The rate-dependence of hardmetal powder pressing in cutting insert production is investigated experimentally and numerically. In the latter case, the finite element method is relied upon using a continuum mechanics approach. In particular, possible rate-dependency due to creep deformation and rate-dependent friction is discussed with the experimental investigation focusing mainly on dimensional changes during sintering but also pressing forces. The results indicate that rate-dependent frictional effects are the dominating feature and accordingly, it can be argued that for the metal powders investigated here, creep deformations do not have to be accounted for in the constitutive description at the timescales relevant for powder pressing and when the shape after sintering is concerned. For the present powder, the apparent frictional effect decreases at higher pressing rates. Additional details of the friction behavior are studied comparing finite element simulations with experiments.

Keywords:

• Rate-dependence
• powder compaction
• friction
• creep
• WC-Co powder
• cutting inserts
• material model
• finite element simulations

ORCID

H. Staf http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8653-393X

E. Olsson http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7674-8582

P. Lindskog http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2776-0301

Notes on contributors

H. Staf is Senior Research Engineer at Sandvik Coromant and PhD Student at the Department of Solid Mechanics, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm. His main research area is powder pressing technology and powder compaction modelling.

E. Olsson is researcher at the Department of Solid Mechanics and at the Division of Building Materials, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. His main research areas are contact mechanics, modelling of particulate materials and metal fatigue.

P. Lindskog is R&D Expert in powder compaction at Sandvik Coromant AB, Stockholm, Sweden. His area of expertise is in practical and theoretical aspects of the industrial powder compaction processes for cutting tool production.

P. -L. Larsson is Professor at the Department of Solid Mechanics, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. His main research area is contact mechanics with applications to hardness testing, particle contact and powder compaction.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.