Experimental Investigation on the Mechanism of Cutting Performance Enhancement of YG8N Cemented Carbide Tools with Tesla-Valve-Inspired Micro-Textures under MoS₂-Based Minimum Quantity Lubrication

Abstract

To improve the wear resistance, heat dissipation and anti-adhesion capability of cemented carbide tools in machining titanium alloys, Tesla-valve-inspired anisotropic micro-textures were fabricated on the rake face of YG8N cemented carbide tools using femtosecond laser processing. Cutting experiments were carried out under MoS₂-based hybrid minimum-quantity lubrication (MQL). A tri-axial piezoelectric dynamometer, temperature sensors and surface characterization techniques were employed to systematically compare non-textured tools, forward-textured tools and reverse-textured tools at low (300 mm/s) and high (1000 mm/s) cutting speeds in terms of cutting force, friction coefficient, temperature distribution, tool wear and chip morphology. The results show that: the micro-textures significantly reduce the actual contact area between the tool and the workpiece and enhance both the storage and transport of cutting fluid, thereby improving lubrication and cooling conditions; at high cutting speeds, the forward-textured tool achieves reductions of about 28.1% in cutting force and 50% in friction coefficient compared with the non-textured tool, lowers the tool-tip temperature by roughly 50% and decreases the wear-band width by about 70%; the micro-textures promote chip curling and evacuation, suppressing the formation of built-up edge and adhesion layers and thus markedly extending tool life. This study elucidates the synergistic mechanism of lubrication and heat dissipation by Tesla-valve-inspired micro-textures in enhancing cutting performance, and provides both theoretical and experimental support for the design of high-performance cemented carbide cutting tools.