Effect of Electrospark Deposition of Al–Si Alloy on the Wear Resistance of a Cutting Hard-Alloy Plate

Abstract

The electrospark deposition of Al25 aluminum alloy onto a VK8 cutting plate is studied to show the effect produced by the composition of a tribofilm formed in the cutting process on the wear resistance of the tool. The electric mass transfer kinetics, microstructure, composition, and microhardness of the alloyed layer, and distribution of elements over the cutting edge surface after cutting are determined. It is shown that complex oxides that form on the cutting edge surface and are more chemically stable than volatile ones increase the wear resistance of the tool by a factor of 1.5 to 1.8.