title: Improvement of the tool life of a micro-end mill using nano-sized SiC/Ni electroplating method.
abstract: High mechanical properties of a tungsten carbide micro-end-mill tool was achieved by extending its tool life by electroplating nano-sized SiC particles (< 100 nm) that had a hardness similar to diamond in a nickel-based material. The co-electroplating method on the surface of the micro-end-mill tool was applied using SiC particles and Ni particles. Organic additives (saccharin and ammonium chloride) were added in a Watts bath to improve the nickel matrix density in the electroplating bath and to smooth the surface of the co-electroplating. The morphology of the coated nano-sized SiC particles and the composition were measured using Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer. As the Ni/SiC co-electroplating layer was applied, the hardness and friction coefficient improved by 50%. Nano-sized SiC particles with 7 wt% were deposited on the surface of the micro-end mill while the Ni matrix was smoothed by adding organic additives. The tool life of the Ni/SiC co-electroplating coating on the micro-end mill was at least 25% longer than that of the existing micro-end mills without Ni/SiC co-electroplating. Thus, nano-sized SiC/Ni coating by electroplating significantly improves the mechanical properties of tungsten carbide micro-end mills.
authors: Hanyang University, Ansan-Si, Gyeonggi-Do 426-791, South Korea.
authors: Shinyoung
authors: S
authors: Park
authors: Kwang-Su
authors: KS
authors: Kim
authors: Ji Young
authors: JY
authors: Roh
authors: Gyu-Beom
authors: GB
authors: Jang
authors: Sung-Hoon
authors: SH
authors: Ahn
authors: Caroline Sunyong
authors: CS
authors: Lee