2019-06-21

In the last part1 topic we discussed the factors affecting the life of the cutting tool. The cutting tool itself has generalized three factors. This topic we are discussing external factor, below generalized 7 external factors, which include how to tighten the cutting tool screw, cutting parameters, material of the workpiece, wear of the tool holder, the condition of the machine, the difference of the cutting fluid, whether to use the high-pressure cutting cooling system, let us discuss it one by one.

Factors affecting the life of cutting tools – External factor

1. How to tighten the cutting tool screw
The tightening tool screw is actually very simple, but everyone is different in the tightening method, tightening angle and tightening force. The method, angle and force will affect the life of cutting tools and the stability of machining process. In addition to the education training that operator’s need to attend, you can also improve the situation through torque-limited screwdrivers and torque-limited wrenches.

2. Cutting parameters
Cutting parameters include cutting speed, feed rate and cutting depth. These parameters have a great influence on the cutting tool life. Among them, the cutting speed has the greatest influence. Usually the cutting tool manufacturer will provide cutting parameters for customer reference.

3. Material of the workpiece
The material of the workpiece can be divided into copper, aluminum, low carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, nickel based alloy, stainless steel… etc. Each material has different characteristics, and the material properties of these workpieces also affect the life of the cutting tool.

4. Wear of the tool holder
The wear of the toolholder can be varied and can be affected by the habits of each operator. It is recommended to check the toolholder before replacing a new cutting tool. Because when the toolholder is worn, it will affect the stability of the machining process, and the life of the cutting tool will also be affected.

Extended reading: What are the wear conditions of the tool holder – 4 situations you must know

5. The condition of the machine
Because the vibration will occur during the machining process, if the stability of the machine during the machining process is not good, it will affect the cutting tool life, and will also cause the dimensional tolerance of the machining parts to be too large and with rough surface roughness. Therefore, how to choose the  machine is very important. It is usually necessary to maintain the machine. Regularly change the machinery consumables. When installing and disassembling, it must be cleaned and maintained.

6. The difference of the cutting fluid
In addition to improving the lubrication during metal machining, the cutting fluid also has cleaning, rust prevention and cooling effects. Cutting fluids are indispensable in the field of turning. In addition to the selection of suitable cutting fluids, new cutting fluids need to be replaced regularly for use.

7. Whether to use the high-pressure cutting cooling system
The workpiece machining will produce high-temperature water vapor. The water vapor on the surface of the workpiece will block the adhesion of the cutting fluid. The cutting fluid can be directly contacted between the workpiece and the cutting tool tip through the pressurized cutting fluid to achieve the cooling effect. When the cutting tool tip is not easy to overheat, will improve the cutting parameters, and can also effectively evacuate chips during machining and prevent wrapped chips on the cutting tool tip.

Conclusion

We will care about the life of the cutting tool, because the cutting tool life is not good,  will increase the production cost. It is recommended that the customer makes a check list by the three factors of the cutting tool itself and the external 7 factors. Recording and analysis, to obtain the best conditions for production, then be satisfied with the life of cutting tools. Other factors affecting the life of cutting tools will be introduced in other blog topics.