Adjusting Lathe Depth of Cut Proven Effective in Maintaining Carbide Tool Durability on S45C Steel

The depth of cut level in the dry turning process of S45C medium-carbon steel has been proven to directly correlate with the rates of flank wear and crater wear on carbide tools. This conclusion stems from experimental research conducted by Abd. Haris Assa Bani, Achmad Rijanto, and Nuril Ahmad from Universitas Islam Majapahit, Indonesia, published in 2026. These findings serve as an important foundation for the manufacturing industry in optimizing cutting parameters to extend tool life while reducing production costs.

In manufacturing machine components such as shafts and gears, S45C steel is widely used due to its balanced combination of strength and wear resistance. However, its hard material properties generate intense friction and high temperatures at the cutting zone, rapidly eroding the tool tip. Frequent tool replacement not only increases capital expenditure but also prolongs machine downtime and reduces product dimensional accuracy. Precise measurement of cutting parameters is crucial to minimize these operational losses.

The research team from Universitas Islam Majapahit tested the dry turning process on S45C steel bars measuring 95 mm in diameter, varying the depth of cut across three levels: 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm. The experiment kept the feed rate constant at 0.2 mm/rev, while tool wear was measured using a USB digital microscope to observe flank wear and crater wear.

Measurement results revealed that increasing the depth of cut consistently escalated tool wear and cutting temperature:

  • Flank Wear: Increasing the depth of cut from 1 mm to 3 mm increased flank wear from 0.0186011 mm to 0.0325576 mm.
  • Crater Wear: Across the same depth range, crater wear increased from 0.0005118 mm to 0.001432 mm.
  • Cutting Temperature: The temperature at the cutting zone rose from 28.9°C at a 1 mm depth to 30.1°C at a 3 mm depth.

Although all measured wear values remained well below the 0.3 mm critical threshold specified by the ISO 3685 standard, the upward trend confirms that deeper cuts accelerate physical tool degradation. The researchers recommend utilizing a 1 mm depth of cut for precision machining to maximize tool lifespan. However, if production speed or efficiency is the priority, larger depths of cut can be applied provided they are paired with cutting fluid or adjusted cutting speeds.

This study provides practical guidance for machine technicians and workshops in establishing economical lathe settings. Setting parameters based on experimental data enables manufacturers to reduce tool damage without compromising final product quality.

Author Profile

  • Abd. Haris Assa Bani: Researcher from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Islam Majapahit, Indonesia, specializing in machining processes and manufacturing materials.
  • Achmad Rijanto: Lecturer and researcher at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Islam Majapahit, Indonesia, focusing on manufacturing technology and machining parameter optimization.
  • Nuril Ahmad: Academic at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Islam Majapahit, Indonesia, with expertise in production engineering and materials testing.

Research Source

 


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