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The general topic of this paper is the computer simulation with use of finite element method (FEM) for determining the internal stresses of selected gradient and single-layer PVD coatings deposited on the sintered tool materials, including cemented carbides, cermets and Al2O3+TiC type oxide tool ceramics by cathodic arc evaporation CAE-PVD method. Developing an appropriate model allows the prediction of properties of PVD coatings, which are also the criterion of their selection for specific items, based on the parameters of technological processes. In addition, developed model can to a large extent eliminate the need for expensive and time-consuming experimental studies for the computer simulation. Developed models of internal stresses were performed with use of finite element method in ANSYS environment. The experimental values of stresses were calculated using the X-ray sin2ψ technique. The computer simulation results were compared with the experimental results. Microhardness and adhesion as well as wear range were measured to investigate the influence of stress distribution on the mechanical and functional properties of coatings. It was stated that occurrence of compressive stresses on the surface of gradient coating has advantageous influence on their mechanical properties, especially on microhardness. Absolute value reduction of internal stresses in the connection zone in case of the gradient coatings takes profitably effects on improvement the adhesion of coatings. It can be one of the most important reasons of increase the wear resistance of gradient coatings in comparison to single-layer coatings.

The main aim of the research is the investigation of the structure and properties of single-layer and gradient coatings of the type (Ti,Al)N and Ti(C,N) deposited by physical vapour deposition technology (PVD) on the cermets substrate.The structural investigations include the metallographic analysis on the transmission and scanning electron microscope. Examinations of the chemical compositions of the deposited coatings were carried out using the X-ray energy dispersive spectrograph EDS, and using the X-ray diffractometer. The investigations include also analysis of the mechanical and functional properties of the materials: substrate hardness tests and microhardness tests of the deposited coatings, surface roughness tests, evaluation of the adhesion of the deposited coatings as well as cutting properties.The results of the investigations carried out confirm the advantages of PVD coatings deposited onto cermets substrate especially in case of (Ti,Al)N. Coatings deposited onto the investigated substrates are characterised by good adhesion, high microhardness, taking effect in very high increasing of wear resistance.Deposition of hard, thin, gradient coatings on materials surface by PVD method features one of the most intensely developed directions of improvement of the working properties of materials. Equally important is the development of tool materials with respect to the fabrication of thin coatings resistant to wear in PVD process. It is of considerable importance, since through the selection of appropriate components, we can obtain a tool material of better properties. This area of tool material development is a priority nowadays, since it is the main route leading to the acquisition of machining tools of suitable properties.The results of the investigation provide useful information on microstructure, adhesion characterized in a scratch test, wear resistant properties of the gradient and single-layer coatings deposited onto cermet.Keywords: Tool materials, Gradient coating, Cermets, PVD Celem artykułu było zbadanie struktury i właściwości jednowarstwowych i gradientowych powłok typu (Ti,Al)N oraz Ti(C,N) naniesionych metodą fizycznego osadzania z fazy gazowej (PVD) na podłożu z cermetali narzędziowych.Badania strukturalne obejmują transmisyjną i skaningową mikroskopię elektronową. Analizę składu chemicznego i fazowego badanych powłok wykonano metodą spektroskopii energii rozproszonego promieniowania rentgenowskiego (EDS) oraz metodą dyfrakcji rentgenowskiej za pomocą dyfraktometru rentgenowskiego. Badania obejmują również analizę właściwości mechanicznych i funkcjonalnych badanych materiałów: badanie twardości podłoża z cermetalu i testy mikrotwardości naniesionych powłok, badania chropowatości powierzchni, ocena przyczepności naniesionych powłok, jak również właściwości skrawne.Wyniki przeprowadzonych badań potwierdzają zalety powłok PVD osadzanych na podłożu z cermetalu, zwłaszcza w przypadku powłok typu (Ti,Al)N. Powłoki osadzone na badanych podłożach charakteryzują się dobrą przyczepnością, wykazują wyso...

The article includes research results for the functional properties achieved for a wide range of sintered tool materials, including sintered carbides, cermets and three types of Al2O3 oxide tool ceramics ((Al2O3 + ZrO2, Al2O3 + TiC and Al2O3 + SiC(w)) with (Ti,Al)N coating deposited in the cathodic arc evaporation (CAE-PVD) method and comparison with uncoated tool materials. For all coated samples, a uniform wear pattern on tool shank was observed during metallographic analysis. Based on the scanning electron microscope (SEM) metallographic analysis, it was found that the most common types of tribological defects identified in tested materials are: mechanical defects and abrasive wear of the tool side, crater formation on the tool face, cracks on the tool side, chipping on the cutting edge and built-up edge from chip fragments. Deposition of (Ti,Al)N coating on all tested substrates increases the wear resistance and also limits the exceeding of critical levels of permanent stresses. It even increases the tool life many times over. Such a significant increase in tool life results, among other things, from a large increase in microhardness of PVD coated materials compared to uncoated samples, increased resistance to thermal and chemical abrasion, improved chip formation and removal process conditions. Use of hard coatings applied to sintered tool materials is considered to be one of the most important achievements in improving the functional properties of cutting tools and can still be developed by improving the coating structure solutions (sorted and nanocrystalline structures) and extending the range of coating applications (Ti,Al)N in a variety of substrates.