This paper presents a comparison of surface morphology obtained after machining Inconel 718 by the conventional insert, by Wiper insert and by using the cutting insert made by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). The shape of the special insert was obtained by employing Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM). The paper focuses on the description of surface topography after turning in dry and wet conditions. The performed investigation included longitudinal turning tests of Inconel 718 performed in a range of variable feeds. Surface topography measurements have been performed with the application of Nanoscan 855. The performed analysis includes a parametric evaluation of the obtained surfaces. With the Wiper insert, the Sa surface roughness parameter was obtained below 0.6 µm in the whole range of used feed rates. The surface roughness parameter Sa measured on the surface after machining by special insert depends on the cutting conditions (wet and dry machining). After, the dry machining parameter Sa, similar to the Wiper insert, was below 0.6 µm in the whole range of used feed rates. Unfortunately, cutting Inconel 718 using special insert with feed rate f = 0.25 mm/rev and cooling generated a surface with Sa parameter over 2 times higher than for the same feed rate without cooling, while this parameter, after turning by conventional insert, increases over 4 times using feed rate f = 0.25 mm/rev compared to feed rate f = 0.05 mm/rev during machining with cooling. This ratio is lower for conventional insert in dry machining because of sticking, which arises at the smallest feed rate according to previous research.
Keywords: Inconel 718; Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS); Wiper; dry machining; surface quality.