Hyderabad tests find tool coatings work differently across nickel alloys

Researchers at Hyderabad’s ARCI tested two protective coatings on tungsten carbide cutters used to mill three nickel alloys. The Science and Technology Ministry reported the findings on 4 November.

In the tests, titanium aluminium silicon nitride extended tool life by about 80% for IN718 and 60% for IN625 compared with an uncoated tool. Chromium aluminium silicon nitride extended tool life by more than 200% for IN617. The researchers found that the best coating depended on the alloy being cut. The figures come from the milling tests.