Recent Advances on Coated Milling Tool Technology—A Comprehensive Review

The milling process is one of the most used processes in the manufacturing industry. Milling, as a process, as evolved, with new machines and methods being employed, in order to obtain the best results consistently. Milling tools have also seen quite an evolution, from the uncoated high-speed steel tool, to the now vastly used, coated tools. Information on the use of these coated tools in recent scientific researches was collected. The coatings that are currently being researched are going to be presented, highlighting some novel advances in the nanocomposite and diamond coatings area, as these coatings are seeing a growing use in the industry, with very satisfactory results, with performance and tool-life increase. Wear mechanism of various types of coatings are also a popular topic on recent research, as the cutting behavior of these coated tools provides valuable information on the tool’s-life. Furthermore, analysis of these mechanisms enables for the selection of the best coating type for the correct application. Recently, the employment of coated tools paired with sustainable lubrication methods as seen some use. As this presents the opportunity to enhance the coated tool’s and the process’s performance, obtaining better results, in terms of better tool-life and better surface finish quality, in a more sustainable fashion.