Abstract
Processing of low toughness graphite material requires high-speed machine tools and DLC coating. In this study, results of investigation of the tool wear and machining properties of the DLC coating according to the thickness, and the machining time of the tool used for the machining of graphite electrodes, were as follows. 1. DLC coating thickness shows a larger wear amount of the tool center in accordance with thickness; the wear amount of the tool increases in proportion to the machining time. 2. The difference between the amount of wear depending on the processing time shows edge portions larger than the tool wear amount in the center. This amount of wear of the tool edge is formed since the rotating torque is in contact with the graphite material surface significantly more than the central portion. 3. The thicker the DLC coating, the more the coating tool eliminated of the coating area by the interface between the cemented carbide tool being coated with an increased friction of the graphite material and the DLC coating area.