fig1

Figure 1. Schematic diagrams of the deposition and characterization workflow. (A) Preparation and screening of coatings. Coatings with varying compositions were first deposited via multi-target co-deposition, followed by phase and hardness screening based on XRD and hardness tests to select coatings with an FCC solid solution and hardness above 30 GPa. The selected coatings were then further evaluated for thermal stability and oxidation resistance through annealing and oxidation tests at elevated temperatures. (B) Performance verification and optimization of coatings. The heat- and oxidation-resistant coatings were further assessed by high-speed cutting tests in comparison with conventional AlCrN- and AlTiN-coated tools, and the optimal coatings were finally identified based on the overall performance.