Cutting insert with wear detection

Abstract

A cutting insert is provided with a combination coating, comprising a wear-protection coating and an indicating layer. The indicating layer preferably is provided on the tool flank or flanks, meaning for radial inserts on the side surfaces and for tangential inserts on the bottom or top surface. The indicating layer is sensitive enough, so that even a short-term use of the adjacent cutting edge leaves clear traces on the indicating layer. In the process, the indicating layer is discolored and/or worn down, so that underlying layers or materials with different colors become visible. As a result of the clear color contrast or brightness contrast, used cutting edges can be identified immediately. The use of the tool flanks as indicating surfaces has proven to be particularly advantageous because a tribological and possibly unfavorable coating can be provided, without this having a negative influence on the processing result of the cutting insert.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.