Performance Analysis of Nano-Crystalline Diamond (NCD) Coating in Micro-Milling of Aluminum Alloy

In this study, the impact of diamond coating on the micro-milling of aluminum 7050 alloy was investigated experimentally. For different cutting parameters, cutting forces, surface roughness and change in the size of the burrs are obtained. In the experiments, 0.5 mm diameter nano-crystalline diamond (NCD) coated and uncoated tungsten carbide tools were used. According to the results obtained, the NCD coating causes the cutting forces to decrease. The critical feed rate value is estimated for the surface roughness that is approximately 0.5 times the radius of the cutting edge. The Ra value increases at smaller feed values than the critical feed value. NCD coating did not affect the burrs positively / negatively. Abrasive wear and BUE were observed on micro tools. NCD coating causes abrasive wear on the tool to decrease and tool life to increase.