Effects of Microcracks in CVD Coating Layers on Cemented Carbide and Cermet Substrates on Residual Stress and Transverse Rupture Strength

Microcracks were mechanically induced in the CVD coating layers on two types of cemented carbides with different thermal expansion coefficients, and one type of cermet. The microcracks were found to have beneficial effects on residual stress, transverse rupture strength, and chipping resistance during interrupted cutting. Residual stress in the coating on cemented carbide is tensile. Tensile residual stress decreases with increasing microcrack width and decreasing microcrack distance. Induction of 20 μm-distant and 0.025 μm-wide cracks relieves tensile residual stress by about 0.5 GPa, increases transverse rupture strength by about 0.70 GPa, and almost doubles the chipping resistance. Residual stress in the coating on cermet is compressive. Microcracks in the coating layer do not change residual stress or transverse rupture strength.