Effect of Yttrium and Rhenium Ion Implantation on the Performance of Nitride Ceramic Cutting Tools

In the paper, the results of experimental investigations of ion implanted cutting tools performance are presented. The tools, made out of Si₃N₄ with additives typically used for turning of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, underwent implantation with ions of yttrium (Y⁺) and rhenium (Re⁺) using the metal vapor vacuum arc method. Distribution of ions on the tool surface was measured. The cutting tools were tested in turning process with measurement of cutting forces and analysis of wear. A rather unexpected result was the increased wear of the tool after Y⁺ implantation with 1 × 10¹⁷ ion/cm². It was demonstrated, however, that the tool after Y⁺ 2 × 10¹⁷ ion/cm² ion implantation provided the best machining performance.