On the Chip Shaping and Surface Topography When Finish Cutting 17-4 PH Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel under Near-Dry Cutting Conditions

This study describes the surface topography of the 17-4 PH stainless steel machined under dry, wet and near-dry cutting conditions. Cutting speeds of 150–500 m/min, feeds of 0.05–0.4 mm/rev and 0.5 mm depth of cutting were applied. The research was based on the ‘parameter space investigation’ method. Surface roughness parameters, contour maps and material participation curves were analysed using the optical Sensofar S Neox 3D profilometer and the effect of feed, cutting speed and their mutual interaction was noticed. Changes in chip shape depending on the processing conditions are shown. Compared to dry machining, a reduction of Sa, Sq and Sz parameters of 38–48% was achieved for near-dry condition. For lower feeds and average cutting speeds valleys and ridges were observed on the surface machined under dry, wet and near-dry conditions. For higher feeds and middle and higher cutting speeds, deep valleys and high ridges were observed on the surface. Depending on the processing conditions, different textures of the machined surface were registered, particularly anisotropic mixed, periodic and periodically determined. In the Sa range of 0.4–0.8 μm for dry and wet conditions the surface isotropy is ~20%, under near-dry conditions it is ~60%.