Raw data files for Tribological performance and wear mechanisms of TiN/AlTiN-coated WC vs uncoated WC against AISI 1045 steel under dry conditions

This study investigates the dry sliding behaviour of TiN/AlTiN multilayer-coated (thickness 1 μm/5 μm) as well as uncoated tungsten carbide (WC) cutting tools in a pin-on-disk configuration. Sliding tests were performed in a cylinder-on-line contact using commercial grooving inserts against AISI 1045 steel disks across a load–velocity matrix (20, 30 N; 10, 40, 80 m/min), with extended duration runs at 40 m/min to capture wear progression.

The TiN/AlTiN-coated tools exhibited more stable friction coefficients and significantly reduced wear volumes compared to uncoated tools (73–92% lower specific wear rates, corresponding to 4×–12× improvement). The enhanced performance is attributed to the formation of a dense, oxide-rich tribofilm that effectively suppressed both adhesive and abrasive wear. In contrast, uncoated tools exhibited unstable frictional behaviour and severe material loss due to grooving and transfer.