The rapid growth of modern industry has resulted in a growing demand for construction materials with excellent operational properties. However, the improved features of these materials can significantly hinder their manufacture and, therefore, they can be defined as hard-to-cut. The main difficulties during the manufacturing/processing of hard-to-cut materials are attributed especially to their high hardness and abrasion resistance, high strength at room or elevated temperatures, increased thermal conductivity, as well as resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Nowadays, the group of hard-to-cut materials is extensive and still expanding, which is attributed to the development of a novel manufacturing techniques (e.g., additive technologies). Currently, the group of hard-to-cut materials mainly includes hardened and stainless steels, titanium, cobalt and nickel alloys, composites, ceramics, as well as the hard clads fabricated by additive techniques. This Special Issue, “Advances in Hard-to-Cut Materials: Manufacturing, Properties, Process Mechanics and Evaluation of Surface Integrity”, provides the collection of research papers regarding the various problems correlated with hard-to-cut materials. The analysis of these studies reveals the primary directions regarding the developments in manufacturing methods, characterization, and optimization of hard-to-cut materials.

The rapid growth of modern industry has resulted in a growing demand for construction materials with excellent operational properties. However, the improved features of these materials can significantly hinder their manufacture and, therefore, they can be defined as hard-to-cut. The main difficulties during the manufacturing/processing of hard-to-cut materials are attributed especially to their high hardness and abrasion resistance, high strength at room or elevated temperatures, increased thermal conductivity, as well as resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Nowadays, the group of hard-to-cut materials is extensive and still expanding, which is attributed to the development of a novel manufacturing techniques (e.g., additive technologies). Currently, the group of hard-to-cut materials mainly includes hardened and stainless steels, titanium, cobalt and nickel alloys, composites, ceramics, as well as the hard clads fabricated by additive techniques. This Special Issue, “Advances in Hard-to-Cut Materials: Manufacturing, Properties, Process Mechanics and Evaluation of Surface Integrity”, provides the collection of research papers regarding the various problems correlated with hard-to-cut materials. The analysis of these studies reveals the primary directions regarding the developments in manufacturing methods, characterization, and optimization of hard-to-cut materials.

Hard machining is a relatively recent technology that can be defined as a machining operation, using tools with geometrically defined cutting edges, of a work piece that has hardness values typically in the 45-70HRc range. This operation always presents the challenge of selecting a cutting tool insert that facilitates high-precision machining of the component, but it presents several advantages when compared with the traditional methodology based in finish grinding operations after heat treatment of work pieces. Machining of Hard Materials aims to provide the reader with the fundamentals and recent advances in the field of hard machining of materials. All the chapters are written by international experts in this important field of research. They cover topics such as: • advanced cutting tools for the machining of hard materials; • the mechanics of cutting and chip formation; • surface integrity; • modelling and simulation; and • computational methods and optimization. Machining of Hard Materials can serve as a useful reference for academics, manufacturing and materials researchers, manufacturing and mechanical engineers, and professionals in machining and related industries. It can also be used as a text for advanced undergraduate or postgraduate students studying mechanical engineering, manufacturing, or materials.

Advanced Machining Processes of Metallic Materials updates our knowledge on the metal cutting processes in relation to theory and industrial practice. In particular, many topics reflect recent developments, e.g. modern tool materials, computational machining, computer simulation of various process phenomena, chip control, monitoring of the cutting state, progressive and hybrid machining operations, and generation and modelling of surface integrity. This book addresses the present state and future development of machining technologies. It provides a comprehensive description of metal cutting theory, experimental and modelling techniques along with basic machining processes and their effective use in a wide range of manufacturing applications. Topics covered include fundamental physical phenomena and methods for their evaluation, available technology of machining processes for specific classes of materials and surface integrity. The book also provides strategies for optimalization techniques and assessment of machinability. Moreover, it describes topics not currently covered in other sources, such as high performance and multitasking (complete) machining with a high potential for increasing productivity, and virtual and e-machining. The research covered here has contributed to a more generalized vision of machining technology, including not only traditional manufacturing tasks but also new potential (emerging) applications such as micro- and nanotechnology. - Many practical examples of modern machining technology - Applicable for various technical, engineering and scientific levels - Collects together 20 years of research in the field and related technical information

This book focus on the challenges faced by cutting materials with superior mechanical and chemical characteristics, such as hardened steels, titanium alloys, super alloys, ceramics and metal matrix composites. Aspects such as costs and appropriate machining strategy are mentioned. The authors present the characteristics of the materials difficult to cut and comment on appropriate cutting tools for their machining. This book also serves as a reference tool for manufacturers working in industry.

Metal machining is the most widespread metal-shaping process in the mechanical manufacturing industry. World-wide investment in metal machining tools increases year on year - and the wealth of nations can be judged by it. This text - the most up-to-date in the field - provides in-depth discussion of the theory and application of metal machining at an advanced level. It begins with an overview of the development of metal machining and its role in the current industrial environment and continues with a discussion of the theory and practice of machining. The underlying mechanics are analysed in detail and there are extensive chapters examining applications through a discussion of simulation and process control. "Metal Machining: Theory and Applications" is essential reading for senior undergraduates and postgraduates specialising in cutting technology. It is also an invaluable reference tool for professional engineers. Professors Childs, Maekawa, Obikawa and Yamane are four of the leading authorities on metal machining and have worked together for many years.Of interest to all mechanical, manufacturing and materials engineersTheoretical and practical problems addressed

This book presents a balanced blend of fundamental research such as principles and characteristics of machining of difficult-to-cut materials and coating techniques and in-depth practical information on coatings techniques and classifications, the effect of coating parameters on machining responses, and finite element analysis of the machining performance of coated tools. In addition to the benefits of the thin-film deposition on the cutting tools, the limitations of the coating deposition techniques and the coating properties are also discussed. Features: Associates the application of coating technology for improving machining characteristics of difficult-to-cut materials Elaborates effect of coating architecture on the output machining parameters Explores the performance of coated cutting tools Discusses advanced coating systems and their application Includes industrial case studies and practical implementations where coatings were applied for the machining of difficult-to-cut materials This book is aimed at researchers and graduate students in thin-films, coatings, machining, materials engineering, and manufacturing.