In this paper, experimental studies of the regrinding of tungsten carbide (WC-Co) tools for high-speed machining were conducted. Regrinding and a subsequent evaluation test were carried out for a flat endmill tool with diameters of 10 mm and 3 mm using a CNC five-axis tool grinder and a CNC three-axis machining center. Tool wear on the two types of endmill tools increased as the cutting length increased, and the tool wear was not influenced by the regrinding state. In case of the micro endmill with a tool diameter of 3 mm, the effective regrinding time was determined for a flank wear threshold of 0.3 mm considering the tool life according to cutting length. The tool lives of the 10 mm and 3 mm endmill tools were increased by 80% and 72%, respectively. This conclusion proves the Feasibility of the recycling of tungsten carbide materials in the high-speed machining of high-hardened materials for industrial applications.

A high nitrogen PM tool steel has shown to have an excellent galling resistance due to the introduction of a high amount of a low friction phase predominantly consisting of VN. Tool making and heat treatment are according to standard procedures. An increase of tool life of more than two times compared to ordinary tool steels is found. Furthermore, the new low friction tool steel shows a potential for sintered parts with higher densities through the applica bility of increased compaction pressure or minimized lubricant amount.