In this study we explore the cutting performance of ZrAlN coatings. WC:Co cutting inserts coated by cathodic arc evaporated Zr1-xAlxN coatings with x between 0 and 0.83 were tested in a longitudinal turning operation. The progress of wear was studied by optical microscopy and the used inserts were studied by electron microscopy. The cutting performance was correlated to the coating composition ...

This paper presents a very special cutting path determination problem appearing in a high precision tools factory, and provides two new heuristics for its resolution. Particular features of both the cutting process, and of the material to be cut, bring in a set of unusual constraints, when compared with other cutting processes, which confer additional complexity and originality to the problem. ...

Ability to control the properties of single-wall nanotubes produced in the arc discharge is important for many practical applications. Our experiments suggest that the length and purity of single-wall nanotubes significantly increase when the magnetic field is applied to the arc discharge. A model of a single wall carbon nanotube interaction and growth in the thermal plasma was developed which ...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of two lingual retainer adhesives, Transbond Lingual Retainer (TLR) and Light Cure Retainer (LCR), cured with a fast halogen light, a plasma arc light and a light-emitting diode (LED) at various curing times. A conventional halogen light served as the control. One hundred adhesive samples (five per group) were cured for 5, 10 o...

Chopping of current and induction of high voltage spikes has been observed at the rising edge of cathodic vacuum arcs. It is argued that current chopping at the rising edge is similar to the current chopping effect that is well-know for the arc current approaching current-zero. Current chopping can generate high voltage spikes, and thus cathodic arc equipment should be protected against voltage...

This work proposes a process planning for machining of a Floor which is the most prominent elemental machining feature in a 21⁄2D pocket. Traditionally, the process planning of 21⁄2D pocket machining is posed as stand-alone problem involving either tool selection, tool path generation or machining parameter selection, resulting in sub-optimal plans. For this reason, the tool path generation and...