On the performance of cryogenic technology in milling of hardened H13 tool steel.

Abstract

Cryogenic machining gained interest as a clean, and effective cooling technique for machining hard-to-cut materials. Hardened H13 steel is widely used in tool and die applications due to its superior properties at high temperatures. However, its low machinability and post machining tensile residual stress remains a major challenge. A comparative techno-economic and environmental analysis was performed to evaluate the performance of cryogenic and flood machining of H13. Process simulation was performed to select the optimum cutting conditions. Cryogenic showed significant improvement in the overall process productivity, part integrity, tool life and environmental performance as compared to flood.