Patent Description:
As a coated tool for use in a cutting process, such as a turning process and a milling process, a coating member for a cutting tool, which is configured to provide a coating film to a base material and described, for example, in Patent Document <NUM>, has been known. The coated tool described in Patent Document <NUM> includes a tool base member and a hard coating film that is made of metal compound in a cubic shape and coats the tool base member. Then, Patent Document <NUM> describes that, when the hard coating film made of metal compound has each of a (<NUM>) plane and a (<NUM>) plane tilted at a predetermined angle to a surface of the tool base member, the coated tool is improved in wear resistance.

Moreover, <CIT> discloses a coated material for a cutting tool with a coating layer, the coating layer comprising a least one hard film including a cubic metallic compound with at least one metal element M selected from Al, Si, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo and W, and at least one element selected from C, N and O, wherein the coated material has an X-ray intensity distribution of an α axis in a pole figure for a (<NUM>) plane of the hard film with a maximum intensity in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>° and an X-ray intensity distribution of an α axis in a pole figure for a (<NUM>) plane of the hard film with a maximum intensity in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>°; and <CIT> discloses a coated material for a cutting tool with a coating layer, the coating layer comprising a least one hard film including a cubic metallic compound with at least one metal element M selected from Al, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo and W, and at least one element selected from C, N and O, wherein the coated material has an X-ray intensity distribution of an α axis in a pole figure for a (<NUM>) plane of the hard film with a maximum intensity in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>°.

The present invention provides a coated tool according to claim <NUM> and a cutting tool according to claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

A coated tool according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. For the sake of description, the drawings referred to in the following illustrate, in a simplified form, only main members necessary for describing an embodiment. The coated tool according to the present disclosure is therefore capable of including any arbitrary structural member not illustrated in the drawings referred to. Sizes of the members in each of the drawings faithfully represent neither sizes of actual structural members nor size ratios of these members. The same applies to a cutting tool as will be described later.

A coated tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure has a quadrangular plate shape and includes a first surface <NUM> (upper surface in <FIG>) having a quadrangular shape, a second surface <NUM> (side surface in <FIG>), and a cutting edge <NUM> located on at least a part of a ridge line where the first surface <NUM> intersects with the second surface <NUM>. The coated tool <NUM> according to the embodiment further includes a third surface <NUM> (lower surface in <FIG>) having the quadrangular shape.

The entirety of an outer periphery of the first surface <NUM> may correspond to the cutting edge <NUM> in the coated tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure. However, the coated tool <NUM> is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the cutting edge <NUM> may be located on only one side or a part of the first surface <NUM> having the quadrangular shape.

The first surface <NUM> at least partially includes a rake surface region 3a. In the first surface <NUM>, the region which is located along the cutting edge <NUM> may serve as the rake surface region 3a. The second surface <NUM> at least partially includes a flank surface region 5a. In the second surface <NUM>, the region which is located along the cutting edge <NUM> may serve as the flank surface region 5a. In other words, with this configuration, the cutting edge <NUM> may be located on an intersecting part of the rake surface region 3a and the flank surface region 5a.

In <FIG>, a boundary between the rake surface region 3a and other region on the first surface <NUM> is indicated by a chain line. Additionally, a boundary between the flank surface region 5a and other region on the second surface <NUM> is indicated by a chain line. Because <FIG> illustrates an example in which all the ridge line where the first surface <NUM> intersects with the second surface <NUM> serves as the cutting edge <NUM>, the boundary above on the first surface <NUM> is indicated by the chain line of a ring shape.

A size of the coated tool <NUM> is not particularly limited. For example, a length of one side of the first surface <NUM> may be set to approximately <NUM>-<NUM>. A height from the first surface <NUM> to the third surface <NUM> located on an opposite side of the first surface <NUM> may be set to approximately <NUM>-<NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the coated tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure includes a base member <NUM> having the quadrangular plate shape and a coating layer <NUM> that coats a surface of the base member <NUM>. The coating layer <NUM> may cover the whole or only a part of the surface of the base member <NUM>. If the coating layer <NUM> covers only the part of the base member <NUM>, it can be said that the coating layer <NUM> is located on at least the part of the base member <NUM>.

A thickness of the coating layer <NUM> may be set to, for example, approximately <NUM>-<NUM>. The thickness of the coating layer <NUM> may be constant or may be changed depending on location.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the coated tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure includes the coating layer <NUM> on the surface of the base member <NUM>. The coating layer <NUM> includes a cubic crystal that includes one or more kinds of elements selected from Groups <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in the periodic table, Al, Si, B, Y and Mn, and one or more kinds of elements selected from C, N and O. The cubic crystal is, for example, AlTiN, AlCrN or TiN. The TiAlN crystal is a crystal where Al is solid-dissolved in the TiN crystal.

Each of these cubic crystals has high hardness and excellent wear resistance, and is preferably used for the coating layer <NUM> of the coated tool <NUM>.

With the coated tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure, the cubic crystal in the coating layer <NUM> is controlled in orientation, so that the coated tool <NUM> is improved in durability. The cubic crystal included in the coating layer <NUM> includes a (<NUM>) plane. In order to evaluate the orientation of the cubic crystal in the coating layer <NUM>, an X-ray diffraction device is used to measure an angle of the (<NUM>) plane of the cubic crystal in the coating layer <NUM> tilted to the surface of the base member <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, it is possible to evaluate the orientation in the (<NUM>) plane of the cubic crystal based on a distribution of X-ray intensity on a pole figure.

For example, if showing a peak at a position of <NUM>° in the distribution of X-ray intensity on the pole figure regarding the (<NUM>) plane of the cubic crystal, the cubic crystal including the (<NUM>) plane tilted at <NUM>° to the surface of the base member <NUM> is assumed to be large in quantity.

As illustrated in <FIG>, with the coated tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure, the coating layer <NUM> includes a first peak located in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° and a second peak located at a higher angle side than the first peak, in the distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of the pole figure, the X-ray intensity regarding the (<NUM>) plane of the cubic crystal. Further, the coating layer <NUM> includes a valley part between the first peak and the second peak, and the valley part includes the X-ray intensity smaller than the X-ray intensity at each of the first peak and the second peak.

As has been described above, if the coating layer <NUM> includes a plurality of peaks in the distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of the pole figure regarding the (<NUM>) plane of the cubic crystal, the cubic crystal includes two or more orientations and is uneven.

For example, in <FIG>, the first peak is located in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, at approximately <NUM>°. The second peak is located in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, at approximately <NUM>°. Note that, with regard to a size (large/small) relationship between the first peak and the second peak in the present disclosure, the size is compared based on the X-ray intensity at each peak indicated at α axis in the distribution of X-ray intensity.

In <FIG>, the second peak is at approximately <NUM>° that is the maximum, and the first peak is at <NUM>° and smaller than the second peak.

In other words, with the coated tool <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, a relatively large number of the cubic crystal including the (<NUM>) plane tilted at approximately <NUM>° to the surface of the base member <NUM> and the cubic crystal including the (<NUM>) plane tilted at approximately <NUM>° to the base member <NUM> exist.

As has been described above, if the coating layer <NUM> includes the plurality of peaks in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° in the distribution of X-ray intensity on the pole figure regarding the (<NUM>) plane of the cubic crystal, the coated tool <NUM> is more excellent in durability than a case where the coating layer <NUM> includes only one peak in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° in the distribution of X-ray intensity on the pole figure regarding the (<NUM>) plane of the cubic crystal. Thus, the coated tool <NUM> provides a cutting process stably for a long period of time.

Characteristic of the coated tool <NUM> is evaluable based on, for example, hardness or a peeling load measured in a scratch test. The durability of the coated tool <NUM> is affected by the hardness and the peeling load. When being high in only one of hardness and peeling load, the coated tool <NUM> is not sufficiently durable. The coated tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure is well balanced in hardness and peeling load, and is thus excellent in durability.

With the coated tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure, as illustrated in <FIG>, the X-ray intensity at the first peak may be <NUM> times or greater than the X-ray intensity at the second peak. If the X-ray intensity at the first peak is greater, the coating layer <NUM> tends to have the peeling load increased, and thus, the coated tool <NUM> is improved in fracture resistance.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the X-ray intensity at the first peak may be smaller than <NUM> times of the X-ray intensity at the second peak. If the X-ray intensity at the second peak is relatively greater than the X-ray intensity at the first peak as in <FIG>, the coating layer <NUM> is higher in hardness, so that the coated tool <NUM> is improved in wear resistance.

As illustrated in <FIG>, if the X-ray intensity at the first peak is compared with the X-ray intensity at the second peak, the smaller one (peak) may indicate the X-ray intensity that is <NUM> times or greater of the X-ray intensity at the greater one (peak). The coating layer <NUM> having this configuration is excellent in balance between the hardness and the peeling load, and is easy to use.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of the pole figure regarding the (<NUM>) plane of the cubic crystal, the first peak is located in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, and the second peak is located in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

With the first peak in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, the coating layer <NUM> has the peeling load increased. With the second peak in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, the coating layer <NUM> excels in hardness.

Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, in a distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of a pole figure, the X-ray intensity regarding a (<NUM>) plane of the cubic crystal, the coating layer <NUM> may include a third peak located in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° and a fourth peak located at a higher angle side than the third peak. The coating layer <NUM> may further include a valley part between the third peak and the fourth peak, and the valley part includes the X-ray intensity smaller than the X-ray intensity at each of the third peak and the fourth peak.

Including the third peak and the fourth peak in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° in the distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of the pole figure regarding the (<NUM>) plane of the cubic crystal, the coated tool <NUM> is excellent in durability.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the X-ray intensity at the fourth peak may be <NUM> times or less of the X-ray intensity at the third peak. With this configuration, the coating layer <NUM> has the peeling load increased, and the coated tool <NUM> is improved in fracture resistance.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the X-ray intensity at the fourth peak may be greater than <NUM> times and smaller than <NUM> times of the X-ray intensity at the third peak. With this configuration, the coated tool <NUM> is well balanced in each of the hardness and the peeling load of the coating layer <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the X-ray intensity at the fourth peak may be <NUM> times or greater of the X-ray intensity at the third peak. With this configuration, the X-ray intensity at the fourth peak is relatively greater. As a result, the coating layer <NUM> is higher in hardness, and the coated tool <NUM> is thus improved in wear resistance.

Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of the pole figure regarding the (<NUM>) plane of an AlTiN crystal, the third peak may be located in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, and the fourth peak may be located in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. With this configuration, the coating layer <NUM> is increased in hardness and peeling load.

The coating layer <NUM> may include an AlTiN layer <NUM> including the AlTiN crystal as the cubic crystal. The AlTiN layer <NUM> may include a higher content ratio of aluminum than that of titanium. Alternatively, the AlTiN layer <NUM> may contain a higher content ratio of titanium than that of aluminum. Still alternatively, the AlTiN layer <NUM> may include chromium in addition to aluminum and titanium. In this case, a total of the content ratios of aluminum and titanium is higher than a content ratio of chromium. The content ratio of chromium included in the AlTiN layer <NUM> may be set to, for example, <NUM>-<NUM>%. The term "content ratio" indicates a content ratio in terms of atomic ratio.

Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, the coated tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure may include an AlCrN layer <NUM> including an AlCrN crystal as the cubic crystal, in addition to the AlTiN layer <NUM>. A plurality of the AlTiN layers <NUM> and a plurality of the AlCrN layers <NUM> may be respectively laminated. In this case, the plurality of AlTiN layers <NUM> and the plurality of AlCrN layers <NUM> may be laminated in a reverse order, or may be alternately laminated one upon another.

The AlCrN layer <NUM> may include only aluminum and chromium. Alternatively, the AlCrN layer <NUM> may include a metal component such as Si, Nb, Hf, V, Ta, Mo, Zr, Ti and W, in addition to aluminum and chromium. In this case, in the AlCrN layer <NUM>, a total of the content ratios of aluminum and chromium is higher than a content ratio of the metal component. The content ratio of aluminum may be set to, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>%. The content ratio of chromium may be set to, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>%.

If the coated tool <NUM> includes the plurality of AlCrN layers <NUM>, each of the AlCrN layers <NUM> may include the higher content ratio of aluminum than that of chromium, or alternatively, each of the plurality of AlCrN layers <NUM> may include the higher content ratio of chromium than that of aluminum.

Each of the AlCrN layers <NUM> may only include a metal component including aluminum and chromium. Alternatively, each of the AlCrN layers <NUM> may include nitride, carbide or carbonitride, each including one of, or both of, aluminum and chromium.

Compositions of the AlTiN layer <NUM> and the AlCrN layer <NUM> are measurable using, for example, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

The number of the AlTiN layers <NUM> laminated and the number of the AlCrN layers <NUM> laminated are not limited to a specific value. The number of the AlTiN Layers <NUM> and the number of the AlCrN layers <NUM> may be set to, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>.

If including the AlTiN layer <NUM>, the coating layer <NUM> is increased in fracture resistance. If including the AlCrN layer <NUM>, the coating layer <NUM> is increased in wear resistance. With a configuration where the plurality of AlTiN layers <NUM> and the plurality of AlCrN layers <NUM> are alternately located, the coating layer <NUM> is increased in entire strength.

Note that, the coating layer <NUM> is greater in entire strength if each of the plurality of AlTiN layers <NUM> and each of the plurality of AlCrN layers <NUM> are smaller in thickness and the number of the plurality of AlTiN layers <NUM> and the number of the plurality of AlCrN layers <NUM> are greater, compared with if each of the plurality of AlTiN layers <NUM> and each of the plurality of AlCrN layers <NUM> are greater in thickness and the number of the plurality of AlTiN layers <NUM> and the number of the plurality of AlCrN layers <NUM> are smaller.

The thickness of the AlTiN Layer <NUM> and the thickness of the AlCrN layer <NUM> are not limited to a specific value, but are individually settable to <NUM>-<NUM>. The thicknesses of the plurality of AlTiN layers <NUM> and the thicknesses of the plurality of AlCrN layers <NUM> may be constant or different from each other.

Note that, the coated tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure has the quadrangular plate shape as illustrated in <FIG>, but the shape of the coated tool <NUM> is not limited thereto. There is no problem even if each of the first surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> does not have the quadrangular shape but may have, for example, a triangular shape, a hexagonal shape or a circular shape.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the coated tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure may include, for example, a through hole <NUM>. The through hole <NUM> is extended from the first surface <NUM> to the third surface <NUM> located on the opposite side of the first surface <NUM>, and the through hole <NUM> opens into these surfaces. The through hole <NUM> is usable for attaching a screw or clamping member when holding the coated tool <NUM> onto a holder. There is no problem even if the through hole <NUM> opens into regions located on opposite sides in the second surface <NUM>.

Examples of material of the base member <NUM> include inorganic materials, such as cemented carbide, cermet and ceramics. Examples of composition of cemented carbide include WC(tungsten carbide)-Co, WC-TiC(titanium carbide)-Co, and WC-TiC-TaC(tantalum carbide)-Co. Specifically, WC, TiC and TaC are hard particles, and Co is a binding phase. The cermet is a sintered composite material obtainable by compositing metal into a ceramic component. Specific examples of the cermet include compounds composed mainly of TiC or TiN (titanium nitride). The material of the base member <NUM> is not limited to these materials.

The coating layer <NUM> can be located on the base member <NUM> by using, for example, physical vapor deposition (PVD) method. In cases where the coating layer <NUM> is deposited with the base member <NUM> held on an inner peripheral surface of the through hole <NUM> by using the above vapor deposition method, the coating layer <NUM> can be located so as to cover the entirety of the surface of the base member <NUM> except for the inner peripheral surface of the through hole <NUM>.

Examples of the physical deposition method includes ion plating method and sputtering method. As one embodiment of the deposition with the ion plating method, the coating layer <NUM> can be deposited with the following method.

In a first procedure, a metal target independently including aluminum and titanium, a composite alloy target or a sintered body target is prepared. The above target serving as a metal source is vaporized and ionized by an arc discharge or a glow discharge. The ionized target is reacted with nitrogen (N<NUM>) gas as a nitrogen source, and methane (CH<NUM>) gas or acetylene (C<NUM>H<NUM>) gas as a carbon source, and is deposited on the surface of the base member <NUM>. The AlTiN layer <NUM> is formable through the above procedure.

If the AlCrN layer <NUM> is included, in a second procedure, the metal target independently including aluminum and chromium, the composite alloy target or the sintered body target is prepared. The above target serving as a metal source is vaporized and ionized by an arc discharge or a glow discharge. The ionized target is reacted with nitrogen (N<NUM>) gas as a nitrogen source, and methane (CH<NUM>) gas or acetylene (C<NUM>H<NUM>) gas as a carbon source, and is deposited on the surface of the base member <NUM>. The AlCrN layer <NUM> is formable through the above procedure.

In the first and the second procedures described above, with a temperature of the base member set to <NUM> to <NUM> and pressure of the base member set to <NUM> to <NUM> Pa, a direct current bias voltage of -<NUM> to -100V may be applied to the base member to have the arc discharge current set to <NUM>-<NUM> A.

The coating layer <NUM> having the configuration where the plurality of AlTiN layers <NUM> and the plurality of AlCrN layers <NUM> are alternately laminated one upon another is formable by alternately repeating the first procedure and the second procedure. The first procedure may be carried out after the second procedure. Also, the coating layer <NUM> may include only the AlTiN layer <NUM>.

As with the coated tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure, in order to form the AlTiN layer <NUM> including the first peak and the second peak in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° in the distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of the pole figure, the X-ray intensity regarding the (<NUM>) plane of the AlTiN crystal included in the AlTiN layer <NUM>, the metal target independently including aluminum and titanium, the composite alloy target or the sintered body target may be adjusted in evaporation rate in the first procedure.

If the evaporation rate is reduced, the thickness of the AlTiN layer <NUM> deposited per hour on the surface of the base member <NUM> is reduced. If the evaporation rate is increased, the thickness of the AlTiN layer <NUM> deposited per hour on the surface of the base member <NUM> is increased.

If the thickness of the AlTiN layer <NUM> deposited per hour on the surface of the base member <NUM> is set to equal to or more than <NUM> and equal to or less than <NUM>, the AlTiN layer <NUM> includes the first peak in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° and the second peak at the higher angle side than the first peak in the distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of the pole figure, the X-ray intensity regarding the (<NUM>) plane of the AlTiN crystal included in the AlTiN layer <NUM>. The AlTiN layer <NUM> further includes the valley part between the first peak and the second peak, and the valley part includes the X-ray intensity smaller than the X-ray intensity at each of the first peak and the second peak.

The AlTiN layer <NUM> also includes the first peak in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° and the second peak in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° in the distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of the pole figure regarding the (<NUM>) plane of the AlTiN crystal.

If the thickness of the AlTiN layer deposited per hour on the surface of the base member <NUM> is set to equal to or more than <NUM> and less than <NUM>, the X-ray intensity at the first peak is greater than the X-ray intensity at the second peak, as illustrated in <FIG>.

If the thickness of the AlTiN layer <NUM> deposited per hour on the surface of the base member <NUM> is set to equal to or more than <NUM> and less than <NUM>, the X-ray intensity at the first peak is smaller than the X-ray intensity at the second peak, as illustrated in <FIG>.

If the thickness of the AlTiN layer <NUM> deposited per hour on the surface of the base member <NUM> is set to equal to or more than <NUM> and less than <NUM>, the X-ray intensity at the first peak is approximately equal to the X-ray intensity at the second peak, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Similarly, in order to form the AlTiN layer <NUM> including the third peak and the fourth peak in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° in the distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of the pole figure, the X-ray intensity regarding the (<NUM>) plane of the AlTiN crystal included in the AlTiN layer <NUM>, the metal target independently including aluminum and titanium, the composite alloy target or the sintered body target may be adjusted in evaporation rate in the first procedure, so that the thickness of the AlTiN layer <NUM> deposited per hour on the surface of the base member <NUM> is set to equal to or more than <NUM> and equal to or less than <NUM>.

If the thickness of the AlTiN layer <NUM> deposited per hour on the surface of the base member <NUM> is set to equal to or more than <NUM> and less than <NUM>, the X-ray intensity at the fourth peak is <NUM> times or less of the X-ray intensity at the third peak, as illustrated in <FIG>.

If the thickness of the AlTiN layer <NUM> deposited per hour on the surface of the base member <NUM> is set to equal to or more than <NUM> and less than <NUM>, the X-ray intensity at the fourth peak is greater than <NUM> times and smaller than <NUM> times of the X-ray intensity at the third peak, as illustrated in <FIG>.

If the thickness of the AlTiN layer <NUM> deposited per hour on the surface of the base member <NUM> is set to equal to or more than <NUM> and less than <NUM>, the X-ray intensity at the fourth peak is <NUM> times or more of the X-ray intensity at the third peak, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Including the plurality of peaks in the distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis on the pole figure regarding the (<NUM>) plane of the AlTiN crystal in each case above, the coated tool <NUM> provides longer service life and higher durability, compared with a coated tool that includes an AlTiN layer including only one peak.

Next, a cutting tool according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a cutting tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure is a bar-shaped body extended, for example, from a first end (an upper end in <FIG>) toward a second end (a lower end in <FIG>). As illustrated in <FIG>, the cutting tool <NUM> includes a holder <NUM> with a pocket <NUM> located at a side of the first end (tip end), and the coated tool <NUM> located in the pocket <NUM>. The cutting tool <NUM> including the coated tool <NUM> provides the cutting process stably for the long period of time.

The pocket <NUM> is a part that permits attachment of the coated tool <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> includes a seating surface parallel to a lower surface of the holder <NUM>, and a constraining side surface inclined relative to the seating surface. The pocket <NUM> opens into the side of the first end of the holder <NUM>.

The coated tool <NUM> is located in the pocket <NUM>. A lower surface of the coated tool <NUM> may be in a direct contact with the pocket <NUM>. Alternatively, a sheet (not illustrated) may be held between the coated tool <NUM> and the pocket <NUM>.

The coated tool <NUM> is attached to the holder <NUM> so that at least a part of the ridge line where the first surface <NUM> intersects with the second surface <NUM>, which is usable as the cutting edge <NUM>, is protruded outward from the holder <NUM>. The coated tool <NUM> is attached to the holder <NUM> by a fixing screw <NUM> in the embodiment. Specifically, the coated tool <NUM> is attachable to the holder <NUM> in such a manner that screw parts are engaged with each other by inserting the fixing screw <NUM> into the through hole <NUM> of the coated tool <NUM>, and by inserting a front end of the fixing screw <NUM> into a screw hole (not illustrated) formed in the pocket <NUM>.

Examples of material of the holder <NUM> include, for example, steel and cast iron. Of these materials, high toughness steel may be used.

The embodiment has illustrated and described the cutting tools for use in the so-called turning process. Examples of the turning process include inner diameter processing, outer diameter processing and grooving process. The cutting tools are not limited to ones which are used for the turning process. For example, the coated tools <NUM> of the above embodiments are applicable to the cutting tools for use in the milling process.

A coated tool according to the present disclosure will be described below.

Samples No. <NUM>, No. <NUM> and No. <NUM> were prepared by varying a thickness of an AlTiN layer deposited per hour on a surface of a base member to <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The thickness of the AlTiN layer deposited per hour on the surface of the base member may be referred to as deposition speed.

Additionally, as a comparative example, a sample was prepared, and the sample had the thickness of the AlTiN layer deposited per hour on the surface of the base member set to <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of a pole figure, the X-ray intensity regarding a (<NUM>) plane of an AlTiN crystal as a cubic crystal included in an AlTiN layer of the sample No. <NUM>. With the sample No. <NUM>, the thickness of the AlTiN layer deposited per hour on the surface of the base member was set to <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of a pole figure, the X-ray intensity regarding a (<NUM>) plane of the AlTiN crystal as the cubic crystal included in the AlTiN layer of the sample No. <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of the pole figure, the X-ray intensity regarding a (<NUM>) plane of an AlTiN crystal included in an AlTiN layer of the sample No. <NUM>. With the sample No. <NUM>, the thickness of the AlTiN layer deposited per hour on the surface of the base member was set to <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of the pole figure, the X-ray intensity regarding a (<NUM>) plane of the AlTiN crystal included in the AlTiN layer of the sample No. <NUM>.

In each of the samples No. <NUM> to No. <NUM>, a thickness of the AlTiN layer was set to <NUM> to <NUM>. The same applied to the sample prepared as the comparative example.

Table <NUM> indicates a ratio (P2/P1) of the X-ray intensity at a second peak P2 to the X-ray intensity at a first peak P1, a ratio (P4/P3) of the X-ray intensity at a fourth peak P4 to the X-ray intensity at a third peak P3, hardness, and a peeling load in each of the samples No. <NUM> to No. <NUM>.

A measurement condition of the distribution of X-ray intensity was as follows. If a surface normal of the sample was on a plane determined by an incident line and a diffraction line, an α angle was set to be <NUM>°. If the α angle was <NUM>°, the α angle corresponded to a center point on the pole figure.

The peeling load (load causing the peeling) was measured by a scratch testing device within a load range from <NUM> to <NUM> N.

Claim 1:
A coated tool (<NUM>), comprising:
a base member (<NUM>); and
a coating layer (<NUM>) located on the base member (<NUM>), wherein
the coating layer (<NUM>) comprises a cubic crystal that comprises one or more kinds of elements selected from Groups <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in the periodic table, Al, Si, B, Y and Mn, and one or more kinds of elements selected from C, N and O,
the coating layer (<NUM>) comprises an AlTiN layer comprising an AlTiN crystal as the cubic crystal,
in a distribution of X-ray intensity indicated at α axis of a pole figure, the X-ray intensity regarding a (<NUM>) plane of the cubic crystal, the coating layer (<NUM>) comprises
a first peak located in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, and
a second peak located in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, and
the coating layer (<NUM>) further comprises
a valley part between the first peak and the second peak, the valley part comprising the X-ray intensity smaller than the X-ray intensity at each of the first peak and the second peak.