Numerical Analysis of the Thermal Influence of Conduction and Contact Thermal Resistance in Multi-Layered Cutting Tool

During the turning process, the cutting tool heats up during use, potentially reaching temperatures above 900ºC. When these temperature levels are reached, the cutting tool loses its mechanical properties and wears out prematurely. To address this issue, a solution was found in coating the cutting tool with a thin layer of thermally insulating material. The purpose of this work was to numerically simulate the heating phenomenon in the transient regime of a tool and tool holder set while considering the presence of the coating, as well as to evaluate heat exchange by conduction. Another factor considered in this work was the presence of contact resistance between the tool and the tool holder, which, according to some studies, impacts the temperature field of the cutting tool. Some parameters related to contact resistance were taken into account to make the model closer to real situations. Simulations were carried out using the COMSOL® program to solve the transient three-dimensional heat diffusion equation using the Finite Element Method. Subsequently, the temperatures found for the uncoated cutting tool were compared to the temperatures found for the cutting tool coated with Titanium Nitride (TiN), Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3), and Titanium Carbide (TiC).