Galgotias University, Greater Noida

School of Mechanical Engineering

Course Code: BTME2010 Course Name: Manufacturing Processes II and Metrology

Unit - I, Theory of Metal Cutting

1.1 INTRODUCTION
In an industry, metal components are made into different shapes and dimensions by using various metal
working processes.
Metal working processes are classified into two major groups. They are:
Non-cutting shaping or chips less or metal forming process - forging, rolling, pressing, etc.
Cutting shaping or metal cutting or chip forming process - turning, drilling, milling, etc.

1.2 MATERIAL REMOVAL PROCESSES

1.2.1 Definition of machining
Machining is an essential process of finishing by which work pieces are produced to the desired
dimensions and surface finish by gradually removing the excess material from the preformed blank in the
form of chips with the help of cutting tool(s) moved past the work surface(s).

1.2.2 Principle of machining

Fig. 1.1 typically illustrates the basic principle of machining. A metal rod of irregular shape, size and
surface is converted into a finished product of desired dimension and surface finish by machining by
proper relative motions of the tool-work pair.

Fig. 1.1 Principle of machining (Turning) Fig. 1.2 Requirements for machining

1.2.3 Purpose of machining

Most of the engineering components such as gears, bearings, clutches, tools, screws and nuts etc. need
dimensional and form accuracy and good surface finish for serving their purposes. Preforming like

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casting, forging etc. generally cannot provide the desired accuracy and finish. For that such preformed
parts, called blanks, need semi-finishing and finishing and it is done by machining and grinding.
Grinding is also basically a machining process.
Machining to high accuracy and finish essentially enables a product:
Fulfill its functional requirements.
Improve its performance.
Prolong its service.

1.2.4 Requirements of machining

The essential basic requirements for machining a work are schematically illustrated in Fig. 1.2.
The blank and the cutting tool are properly mounted (in fixtures) and moved in a powerful device called
machine tool enabling gradual removal of layer of material from the work surface resulting in its desired
dimensions and surface finish. Additionally some environment called cutting fluid is generally used to
ease machining by cooling and lubrication.

1.3 TYPES OF MACHINE TOOLS

1.3.1 Definition of machine tool
A machine tool is a non-portable power operated and reasonably valued device or system of devices in
which energy is expended to produce jobs of desired size, shape and surface finish by removing excess
material from the preformed blanks in the form of chips with the help of cutting tools moved past the
work surface(s).

1.3.2 Basic functions of machine tools

Machine tools basically produce geometrical surfaces like flat, cylindrical or any contour on the
preformed blanks by machining work with the help of cutting tools.
The physical functions of a machine tool in machining are:
Firmly holding the blank and the tool.
Transmit motions to the tool and the blank.
Provide power to the tool-work pair for the machining action.
Control of the machining parameters, i.e., speed, feed and depth of cut.

1.3.3 Classification of machine tools

Number of types of machine tools gradually increased till mid 20 th century and after that started
decreasing based on group technology.
However, machine tools are broadly classified as follows:
According to direction of major axis:
Horizontal - center lathe, horizontal boring machine etc.
Vertical - vertical lathe, vertical axis milling machine etc.
Inclined - special (e.g. for transfer machines).
According to purpose of use:
General purpose - e.g. center lathes, milling machines, drilling, machines etc.
Single purpose - e.g. facing lathe, roll turning lathe etc.
Special purpose - for mass production.
According to degree of automation:
Non-automatic - e.g. center lathes, drilling machines etc.

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 Semi-automatic - capstan lathe, turret lathe, hobbing machine etc.
Automatic - e.g., single spindle automatic lathe, swiss type automatic lathe, CNC milling
machine etc.
According to size:
Heavy duty - e.g., heavy duty lathes (e.g. ≥ 55 kW), boring mills, planning machine, horizontal
boring machine etc.
Medium duty - e.g., lathes - 3.7 ~ 11 kW, column drilling machines, milling machines etc.
Small duty - e.g., table top lathes, drilling machines, milling machines.
Micro duty - e.g., micro-drilling machine etc.
According to blank type:
Bar type (lathes).
Chucking type (lathes). Housing
type.
According to precision:
Ordinary - e.g., automatic lathes.
High precision - e.g., Swiss type automatic lathes.
According to number of spindles:
Single spindle - center lathes, capstan lathes, milling machines etc.
Multi spindle - multi spindle (2 to 8) lathes, gang drilling machines etc.
According to type of automation:
Fixed automation - e.g., single spindle and multi spindle lathes.
Flexible automation - e.g., CNC milling machine.
According to configuration:
Stand alone type - most of the conventional machine tools.
Machining system (more versatile) - e.g., transfer machine, machining center, FMS etc.

1.3.4 Specification of machine tools

A machine tool may have a large number of various features and characteristics. But only some specific
salient features are used for specifying a machine tool. All the manufacturers, traders and users must
know how machine tools are specified.
The methods of specification of some basic machine tools are as follows:
Centre lathe:
Maximum diameter and length of the jobs that can be accommodated.
Power of the main drive (motor).
Range of spindle speeds and range of feeds.
Space occupied by the machine.
Shaper:
Length, breadth and depth of the bed.
Maximum axial travel of the bed and vertical travel of the bed / tool.
Maximum length of the stroke (of the ram / tool).
Range of number of strokes per minute.
Range of table feed.
Power of the main drive.
Space occupied by the machine.
Drilling machine (column type):
Maximum drill size (diameter) that can be used.
Size and taper of the hole in the spindle.
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 Range of spindle speeds. Range
of feeds.
Power of the main drive.
Range of the axial travel of the spindle / bed.
Floor space occupied by the machine.
Milling machine (knee type and with arbor):
Type; ordinary or swiveling bed type.
Size of the work table.
Range of travels of the table in X - Y - Z directions.
Arbor size (diameter).
Power of the main drive.
Range of spindle speed.
Range of table feeds in X - Y - Z directions. Floor
space occupied.
1.4 THEORY OF METAL CUTTING
1.4.1 Types of cutting tools
Cutting tools may be classified according to the number of major cutting edges (points) involved as
follows:
Single point: e.g., turning tools, shaping, planning and slotting tools and boring tools.
Double (two) point: e.g., drills.
Multipoint (more than two): e.g., milling cutters, broaching tools, hobs, gear shaping cutters etc.

1.4.2 Geometry of single point cutting (turning) tools

Both material and geometry of the cutting tools play very important roles on their performances in
achieving effectiveness, efficiency and overall economy of machining.

1.4.2.1 Concept of rake and clearance angles of cutting tools

The word tool geometry is basically referred to some specific angles or slope of the salient faces and
edges of the tools at their cutting point. Rake angle and clearance angle are the most significant for all the
cutting tools. The concept of rake angle and clearance angle will be clear from some simple operations
shown in Fig. 1.3.

Fig. 1.3 Rake and clearance angles of cutting tools

Definition
Rake angle (γ): Angle of inclination of rake surface from reference plane.
Clearance angle (α): Angle of inclination of clearance or flank surface from the finished surface.
Rake angle is provided for ease of chip flow and overall machining. Rake angle may be positive, or
negative or even zero as shown in Fig. 1.4 (a, b and c).

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 (a) Positive rake (b) Zero rake (c) Negative rake
Fig. 1.4 Three possible types of rake angles
Relative advantages of such rake angles are:
Positive rake - helps reduce cutting force and thus cutting power requirement.
Zero rake - to simplify design and manufacture of the form tools.
Negative rake - to increase edge-strength and life of the tool.
Clearance angle is essentially provided to avoid rubbing of the tool (flank) with the machined
surface which causes loss of energy and damages of both the tool and the job surface. Hence, clearance
angle is a must and must be positive (3 0 ~ 150) depending upon tool-work materials and type of the
machining operations like turning, drilling, boring etc.
1.4.2.2 Systems of description of tool geometry
Tool-in-Hand System - where only the salient features of the cutting tool point are identified or
visualized as shown in Fig. 1.5 (a). There is no quantitative information, i.e., value of the angles.
Machine Reference System - ASA system.
Tool Reference System - Orthogonal Rake System - ORS.
- Normal Rake System - NRS.
Work Reference System - WRS.

1.4.2.3 Description of tool geometry in Machine Reference System

This system is also called as ASA system; ASA stands for American Standards Association. Geometry
of a cutting tool refers mainly to its several angles or slopes of its salient working surfaces and cutting
edges. Those angles are expressed with respect to some planes of reference.
In Machine Reference System (ASA), the three planes of reference and the coordinates are chosen based
on the configuration and axes of the machine tool concerned. The planes and axes used for expressing
tool geometry in ASA system for turning operation are shown in Fig. 1.5 (b).

Fig 1.5 (a) Basic features of single point Fig. 1.5 (b) Planes and axes of reference
cutting (turning) tool in ASA system
The planes of reference and the coordinates used in ASA system for tool geometry are:

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ΠR - ΠX - ΠY and Xm - Ym - Zm; where,
ΠR = Reference plane; plane perpendicular to the velocity vector. Shown in Fig. 1.5 (b). ΠX = Machine
longitudinal plane; plane perpendicular to ΠR and taken in the direction of assumed longitudinal feed.
ΠY = Machine transverse plane; plane perpendicular to both ΠR and ΠX. [This plane is taken in the
direction of assumed cross feed]
The axes Xm, Ym and Zm are in the direction of longitudinal feed, cross feed and cutting velocity (vector)
respectively. The main geometrical features and angles of single point tools in ASA systems and their
definitions will be clear from Fig. 1.6.

Fig. 1.6 Tool angles in ASA system

Definition of:
Shank: The portion of the tool bit which is not ground to form cutting edges and is rectangular in cross
section. [Fig. 1.5 (a)]
Face: The surface against which the chip slides upward. [Fig. 1.5 (a)]
Flank: The surface which face the work piece. There are two flank surfaces in a single point cutting
tool. One is principal flank and the other is auxiliary flank. [Fig. 1.5 (a)]
Heel: The lowest portion of the side cutting edges. [Fig. 1.5 (a)]
Nose radius: The conjunction of the side cutting edge and end cutting edge. It provides strengthening of
the tool nose and better surface finish. [Fig. 1.5 (a)]
Base: The underside of the shank. [Fig. 1.5 (a)]

Rake angles: [Fig. 1.6] γx = Side rake angle (axial rake): angle of inclination of the rake surface from
the reference plane (ΠR) and measured on machine reference plane, ΠX. γy = Back rake angle: angle of
inclination of the rake surface from the reference plane and measured on machine transverse plane, ΠY.
Clearance angles: [Fig. 1.6] αx = Side clearance angle (Side relief angle): angle of inclination of the
principal flank from the machined surface (or CV) and measured on ΠX plane.
αy = Back clearance angle (End relief angle): same as α x but measured on ΠY plane. Cutting
angles: [Fig. 1.6]
φs = Side cutting edge angle (Approach angle): angle between the principal cutting edge (its projection
on ΠR) and ΠY and measured on ΠR. φe = End cutting edge angle: angle between the end cutting edge (its
projection on ΠR) from ΠX and measured on ΠR.

1.4.3 Designation of tool geometry

The geometry of a single point tool is designated or specified by a series of values of the salient angles
and nose radius arranged in a definite sequence as follows:

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 Designation (Signature) of tool geometry in ASA System - γy, γx, αy, αx, φe, φs, r (in inch) Example: A
tool having 7, 8, 6, 7, 5, 6, 0.1 as designation (Signature) in ASA system will have the following angles
and nose radius.
Back rack angle = 70
Side rake angle = 80
Back clearance angle = 60
Side clearance angle = 70
End cutting edge angle = 50
Side cutting edge angle = 60
Nose radius = 0.1 inch

1.4.4 Types of metal cutting processes

The metal cutting process is mainly classified into two types. They are:
Orthogonal cutting process (Two - dimensional cutting) - The cutting edge or face of the tool is
900 to the line of action or path of the tool or to the cutting velocity vector. This cutting involves
only two forces and this makes the analysis simpler.
Oblique cutting process (Three - dimensional cutting) - The cutting edge or face of the tool is
inclined at an angle less than 900 to the line of action or path of the tool or to the cutting velocity
vector. Its analysis is more difficult of its three dimensions.
1.4.4.1 Orthogonal and oblique cutting
It is appears from the diagram shown in Fig. 1.7 (a and b) that while turning ductile material by a sharp
tool, the continuous chip would flow over the tool’s rake surface and in the direction apparently
perpendicular to the principal cutting edge, i.e., along orthogonal plane which is normal to the cutting
plane containing the principal cutting edge. But practically, the chip may not flow along the orthogonal
plane for several factors like presence of inclination angle, λ, etc.
The role of inclination angle, λ on the direction of chip flow is schematically shown in Fig. 1.8
which visualizes that:
When λ = 00, the chip flows along orthogonal plane, i.e, ρc = 00.
When λ ≠ 00, the chip flow is deviated from πo and ρc = λ where ρc is chip flow deviation (from πo)
angle.

Fig. 1.7 (a) Setup of orthogonal and oblique cutting Fig. 1.7 (b) Ideal direction of chip flow in turning

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 Fig. 1.8 Role of inclination angle, λ on chip flow direction Orthogonal
cutting: When chip flows along orthogonal plane, πo, i.e., ρc = 00.
Oblique cutting: When chip flow deviates from orthogonal plane, i.e. ρc ≠ 00.
But practically ρc may be zero even if λ = 00 and ρc may not be exactly equal to λ even if λ ≠ 00. Because
there is some other (than λ) factors also may cause chip flow deviation.

1.4.4.2 Pure orthogonal cutting

This refers to chip flow along πo and φ = 900 as typically shown in Fig. 1.9. Where a pipe like job
of uniform thickness is turned (reduced in length) in a center lathe by a turning tool of geometry; λ = 0 0
and φ = 900 resulting chip flow along πo which is also πx in this case.

Fig. 1.9 Pure orthogonal cutting (pipe turning)

1.5 CHIP FORMATION
1.5.1 Mechanism of chip formation
Machining is a semi-finishing or finishing process essentially done to impart required or stipulated
dimensional and form accuracy and surface finish to enable the product to:
Fulfill its basic functional requirements.
Provide better or improved performance. Render
long service life.
Machining is a process of gradual removal of excess material from the preformed blanks in the form of
chips. The form of the chips is an important index of machining because it directly or indirectly
indicates:
Nature and behavior of the work material under machining condition.
Specific energy requirement (amount of energy required to remove unit volume of work material)
in machining work.
Nature and degree of interaction at the chip-tool interfaces.
The form of machined chips depends mainly upon:
Work material.
Material and geometry of the cutting tool.
Levels of cutting velocity and feed and also to some extent on depth of cut.

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 Machining environment or cutting fluid that affects temperature and friction at the chip-tool and
work-tool interfaces.
Knowledge of basic mechanism(s) of chip formation helps to understand the characteristics of chips and
to attain favorable chip forms.

1.5.1.1 Mechanism of chip formation in machining ductile materials

During continuous machining the uncut layer of the work material just ahead of the cutting tool (edge) is
subjected to almost all sided compression as indicated in Fig. 1.10.

Fig. 1.10 Compression of work material (layer) ahead of the tool tip
The force exerted by the tool on the chip arises out of the normal force, N and frictional force, F as
indicated in Fig. 1.10. Due to such compression, shear stress develops, within that compressed region, in
different magnitude, in different directions and rapidly increases in magnitude. Whenever and wherever
the value of the shear stress reaches or exceeds the shear strength of that work material in the
deformation region, yielding or slip takes place resulting shear deformation in that region and the plane
of maximum shear stress. But the forces causing the shear stresses in the region of the chip quickly
diminishes and finally disappears while that region moves along the tool rake surface towards and then
goes beyond the point of chip-tool engagement.
As a result the slip or shear stops propagating long before total separation takes place. In the mean time
the succeeding portion of the chip starts undergoing compression followed by yielding and shear. This
phenomenon repeats rapidly resulting in formation and removal of chips in thin layer by layer. This
phenomenon has been explained in a simple way by Piispannen*1 using a card analogy as shown in Fig.
1.11 (a).

(a) Shifting of the postcards by partial sliding against each other (b) Chip formation by shear in lamella
Fig. 1.11 Piispannen model of card analogy to explain chip formation in machining ductile materials
In actual machining chips also, such serrations are visible at their upper surface as indicated in
Fig. 1.11 (b). The lower surface becomes smooth due to further plastic deformation due to intensive
rubbing with the tool at high pressure and temperature. The pattern of shear deformation by
lamellar sliding, indicated in the model, can also be seen in actual chips by proper mounting,
etching and polishing the side surface of the machining chip and observing under microscope.
The pattern and extent of total deformation of the chips due to the primary and the secondary shear
deformations of the chips ahead and along the tool face, as indicated in Fig. 1.12, depend upon:
Work material.

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 Tool; material and geometry.
The machining speed (VC) and feed (so).
Cutting fluid application.

Fig. 1.12 Primary and secondary deformation zones in the chip

The overall deformation process causing chip formation is quite complex and hence needs
thorough experimental studies for clear understanding the phenomena and its dependence on the
affecting parameters. The feasible and popular experimental methods*2 for this purpose are:
Study of deformation of rectangular or circular grids marked on side surface as shown in Fig.
1.13 (a and b).
Microscopic study of chips frozen by drop tool or quick stop apparatus.
Study of running chips by high speed camera fitted with low magnification microscope.
It has been established by several analytical and experimental methods including circular grid
deformation that though the chips are initially compressed ahead of the tool tip, the final
deformation is accomplished mostly by shear in machining ductile materials. However, machining
of ductile materials generally produces flat, curved or coiled continuous chips.

(a) Rectangular grids (b) Circular grids

Fig. 1.13 Pattern of grid deformation during chip formation
1.5.1.2 Mechanism of chip formation in machining brittle materials
The basic two mechanisms involved in chip formation are:
Yielding - generally for ductile materials.
Brittle fracture - generally for brittle materials.
During machining, first a small crack develops at the tool tip as shown in Fig. 1.14 due to wedging
action of the cutting edge. At the sharp crack-tip stress concentration takes place. In case of ductile
materials immediately yielding takes place at the crack-tip and reduces the effect of stress
concentration and prevents its propagation as crack. But in case of brittle materials the initiated crack
quickly propagates, under stressing action, and total separation takes place from the parent work piece
through the minimum resistance path as indicated in Fig. 1.14.

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 Fig. 1.14 Development and propagation of crack causing chip separation.
Machining of brittle material produces discontinuous chips and mostly of irregular size and shape. The
process of forming such chips is schematically shown in Fig. 1.15 (a, b, c, d and e).

(a) Separation (b) Swelling (c) Further swelling (d) Separation (e) Swelling again
Fig. 1.15 Schematic view of chip formation in machining brittle materials

1.5.2 Chip thickness ratio

Geometry and characteristics of chip forms
The geometry of the chips being formed at the cutting zone follow a particular pattern especially in
machining ductile materials. The major sections of the engineering materials being machined are
ductile in nature; even some semi-ductile or semi-brittle materials behave ductile under the
compressive forces at the cutting zone during machining.
The pattern and degree of deformation during chip formation are quantitatively assessed and
expressed by some factors, the values of which indicate about the forces and energy required for a
particular machining work.

Chip reduction coefficient or cutting ratio

The usual geometrical features of formation of continuous chips are schematically shown in Fig.
1.16. The chip thickness (a2) usually becomes larger than the uncut chip thickness (a 1). The reason can
be attributed to:
Compression of the chip ahead of the tool.
Frictional resistance to chip flow.
Lamellar sliding according to Piispannen.

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 Fig. 1.16 Geometrical features of continuous chip formation.
The significant geometrical parameters involved in chip formation are shown in Fig. 1.16 and those
parameters are defined (in respect of straight turning) as: t = depth of cut (mm) - perpendicular
penetration of the cutting tool tip in work surface. f = feed (mm/rev) - axial travel of the tool per
revolution of the job. b1 = width (mm) of chip before cut. b 2 = width (mm) of chip after cut. a1 =
thickness (mm) of uncut layer (or chip before cut). a2 = chip thickness (mm) - thickness of chip after cut.
A1 = cross section (area, mm2) of chip before cut. The
degree of thickening of the chip is expressed by
rc = a2 / a1 > 1.00 (since a2 > a1) 1.1
where, rc = chip reduction coefficient.
a1= f sinφ 1.2
where φ = principal cutting edge angle.
Larger value of rc means more thickening i.e., more effort in terms of forces or energy required to
accomplish the machining work. Therefore it is always desirable to reduce a2 or rc without sacrificing
productivity, i.e. metal removal rate (MRR).
Chip thickening is also often expressed by the reciprocal of rc as,
1 / rc = r = a1 / a2 1.3 where r = cutting ratio.
The value of chip reduction coefficient, rc (and hence cutting ratio) depends mainly upon
Tool rake angle, γ Chip-tool interaction, mainly friction, µ Roughly in
*3
the following way,

rc = (for orthogonal cutting) 1.4 and γ are in radians.

The simple but very significant expression 1.4 clearly depicts that the value of r c can be desirably
reduced by
Using tool having larger positive rake. Reducing
friction by using lubricant.
The role of rake angle and friction at the chip-tool interface on chip reduction coefficient are also
schematically shown in Fig. 1.17.

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 rc

Fig. 1.17 Role of rake angle and friction on Fig. 1.18 Shear plane and shear angle in
chip reduction coefficient chip formation
Chip reduction coefficient, rc is generally assessed and expressed by the ratio of the chip thickness,
after cut (a2) and before cut (a1) as in equation 1.1. But rc can also be expressed or assessed by the
ratio of:
Total length of the chip before cut (L1) and after cut (L2).
Cutting velocity, VC and chip velocity, Vf.
Considering total volume of chip produced in a given time,
a1b1L1 = a2b2L2 1.5
The width of chip, b generally does not change significantly during machining unless there is side flow
for some adverse situation. Therefore assuming, b1=b2 in equation 1.5, rc comes up to be,
rc = a2 / a1 = L1 / L2 1.6
Again considering unchanged material flow (volume) ratio, Q
Q = (a1b1)VC = (a2b2)Vf 1.7
Taking b1=b2,
rc = a2 / a1 = VC / Vf 1.8
Equation 5.8 reveals that the chip velocity, V f will be lesser than the cutting velocity, V C and the ratio is
equal to the cutting ratio, r = 1 / rc

Shear angle
It has been observed that during machining, particularly ductile materials, the chip sharply changes
its direction of flow (relative to the tool) from the direction of the cutting velocity, VC to that along
the tool rake surface after thickening by shear deformation or slip or lamellar sliding along a plane.
This plane is called shear plane and is schematically shown in Fig. 1.18.

Shear plane
Shear plane is the plane of separation of work material layer in the form of chip from the parent
body due to shear along that plane.

Shear angle
Angle of inclination of the shear plane from the direction of cutting velocity as shown in Fig.
1.18.
The value of shear angle, denoted by β (taken in orthogonal plane) depends upon:
Chip thickness before cut and after cut i.e. rc.
Rake angle, γ (in orthogonal plane).
From Fig. 1.18,
AC = a2 = OA cos(β – γ) and AB = a1 = OA sinβ dividing a2 by a1

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 a2 / a1 = rc = cos(β – γ) / sinβ 1.9 or tanβ = cosγ / rc – sinγ 1.10 Replacing chip
reduction coefficient, rc by cutting ratio, r, the equation 1.10 changes to,
tanβ = rcosγ / 1 – rsinγ 1.11
Equation 1.10 depicts that with the increase in r c, shear angle decreases and vice-versa. It is also evident
from equation 1.10 as well as equation 1.4 that shear angle increases both directly and indirectly with the
increase in tool rake angle. Increase in shear angle means more favorable machining condition requiring
lesser specific energy.

Cutting strain
The magnitude of strain, that develops along the shear plane due to machining action, is called cutting
strain (shear). The relationship of this cutting strain, ε with the governing parameters can be derived
from Fig. 1.19.

Fig. 1.19 Cutting strain in machining

Due to presence of the tool as an obstruction the layer 1 has been shifted to position 2 by sliding along
the shear plane. From Fig. 1.19,
Cutting strain (average), ε = ∆s / Y = PM / ON or ε = PN + NM / ON
ε = PN / ON + NM / ON or ε = cot β + tan(β – γ) 1.12

1.5.3 Built-up-Edge (BUE) formation

Causes of formation
In machining ductile metals like steels with long chip-tool contact length, lot of stress and temperature
develops in the secondary deformation zone at the chip-tool interface. Under such high stress and
temperature in between two clean surfaces of metals, strong bonding may locally take place due to
adhesion similar to welding. Such bonding will be encouraged and accelerated if the chip tool materials
have mutual affinity or solubility.
The weldment starts forming as an embryo at the most favorable location and thus gradually
grows as schematically shown in Fig. 1.20.

Fig. 1.20 Scheme of built-up-edge formation

With the growth of the BUE, the force, F (shown in Fig. 1.20) also gradually increases due to wedging
action of the tool tip along with the BUE formed on it. Whenever the force, F exceeds the bonding force

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of the BUE, the BUE is broken or sheared off and taken away by the flowing chip. Then again BUE
starts forming and growing. This goes on repeatedly.
Characteristics of BUE
Built-up-edges are characterized by its shape, size and bond strength, which depend upon:
Work tool materials.
Stress and temperature, i.e., cutting velocity and feed.
Cutting fluid application governing cooling and lubrication.
BUE may develop basically in three different shapes as schematically shown in Fig. 1.21 (a, b and c).

(a) Positive wedge (b) Negative wedge (c) Flat type Fig. 1.22 Overgrowing
and Fig. 1.21 Different forms of built-up-edge. overflowing of BUE
causing surface roughness
In machining too soft and ductile metals by tools like high speed steel or uncoated carbide the
BUE may grow larger and overflow towards the finished surface through the flank as shown in
Fig. 1.22. While the major part of the detached BUE goes away along the flowing chip, a small part
of the BUE may remain stuck on the machined surface and spoils the surface finish. BUE formation
needs certain level of temperature at the interface depending upon the mutual affinity of the work-
tool materials. With the increase in VC and so the cutting temperature rises and favors BUE
formation.
But if VC is raised too high beyond certain limit, BUE will be squashed out by the flowing
chip before the BUE grows. Fig. 1.23 shows schematically the role of increasing VC and so on BUE
formation (size). But sometime the BUE may adhere so strongly that it remains strongly bonded at
the tool tip and does not break or shear off even after reasonably long time of machining. Such
harmful situation occurs in case of certain tool-work materials and at speed-feed conditions which
strongly favor adhesion and welding.

Fig. 1.23 Role of cutting velocity and feed on BUE formation

Effects of BUE formation
Formation of BUE causes several harmful effects, such as:
It unfavorably changes the rake angle at the tool tip causing increase in cutting forces and power
consumption.

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 Repeated formation and dislodgement of the BUE causes fluctuation in cutting forces and thus
induces vibration which is harmful for the tool, job and the machine tool.
Surface finish gets deteriorated.
May reduce tool life by accelerating tool-wear at its rake surface by adhesion and flaking
occasionally, formation of thin flat type stable BUE may reduce tool wear at the rake face.
1.5.4 Types of chips
Different types of chips of various shape, size, colour etc. are produced by machining depending
upon:
Type of cut, i.e., continuous (turning, boring etc.) or intermittent cut (milling).
Work material (brittle or ductile etc.).
Cutting tool geometry (rake, cutting angles etc.).
Levels of the cutting velocity and feed (low, medium or high).
Cutting fluid (type of fluid and method of application).
The basic major types of chips and the conditions generally under which such types of chips form are
given below:

Continuous chips without BUE

When the cutting tool moves towards the work piece, there occurs a plastic deformation of the work
piece and the metal is separated without any discontinuity and it moves like a ribbon. The chip moves
along the face of the tool. This mostly occurs while cutting a ductile material. It is desirable to have
smaller chip thickness and higher cutting speed in order to get continuous chips. Lesser power is
consumed while continuous chips are produced. Total life is also mortised in this process. The formation
of continuous chips is schematically shown in Fig. 1.24.

Fig. 1.24 Formation of continuous chips Fig. 1.25 Formation of discontinuous chips
The following condition favors the formation of continuous chips without BUE chips: Work
material - ductile.
Cutting velocity - high.
Feed - low.
Rake angle - positive and large.
Cutting fluid - both cooling and lubricating.

Discontinuous chips
This is also called as segmental chips. This mostly occurs while cutting brittle material such as cast iron
or low ductile materials. Instead of shearing the metal as it happens in the previous process, the metal is
being fractured like segments of fragments and they pass over the tool faces. Tool life can also be more
in this process. Power consumption as in the previous case is also low. The formation of continuous chips
is schematically shown in Fig. 1.25.

16
The following condition favors the formation of discontinuous chips:
Of irregular size and shape: - work material - brittle like grey cast iron.
Of regular size and shape: - work material ductile but hard and work hardenable.
Feed rate - large.
Tool rake - negative.
Cutting fluid - absent or inadequate.
Continuous chips with BUE
When cutting a ductile metal, the compression of the metal is followed by the high heat at tool face. This
in turns enables part of the removed metal to be welded into the tool. This is known as built up edge, a
very hardened layer of work material attached to the tool face, which tends to act as a cutting edge itself
replacing the real cutting tool edge.
The built-up edge tends to grow until it reaches a critical size (~0.3 mm) and then passes off with
the chip, leaving small fragments on the machining surface. Chip will break free and cutting forces are
smaller, but the effect is a rough machined surface. The built-up edge disappears at high cutting speeds.
The weld metal is work hardened or strain hardened. While the cutting process is continued, some
of built up edge may be combined with the chip and pass along the tool face. Some of the built up edge
may be permanently fixed on the tool face. This produces a rough surface finish and the tool life may be
reduced. The formation of continuous chips with BUE is schematically shown in Fig. 1.26.

Fig. 1.26 Formation of continuous chips with BUE The

following condition favors the formation of continuous chips with BUE chips:
Work material - ductile.
Cutting velocity - low (~0.5 m/s,).
Small or negative rake angles.
Feed - medium or large.
Cutting fluid - inadequate or absent.
Often in machining ductile metals at high speed, the chips are deliberately broken into small segments of
regular size and shape by using chip breakers mainly for convenience and reduction of chip-tool contact
length.

1.5.5 Chip breakers

1.5.5.1 Need and purpose of chip-breaking
Continuous machining like turning of ductile metals, unlike brittle metals like grey cast iron, produce
continuous chips, which leads to their handling and disposal problems. The problems become acute when
ductile but strong metals like steels are machined at high cutting velocity for high MRR by flat rake face
type carbide or ceramic inserts. The sharp edged hot continuous chip that comes out at very high speed:
Becomes dangerous to the operator and the other people working in the vicinity.
May impair the finished surface by entangling with the rotating job. Creates
difficulties in chip disposal.
Therefore it is essentially needed to break such continuous chips into small regular pieces for:

17
 Safety of the working people.
Prevention of damage of the product.
Easy collection and disposal of chips.
Chip breaking is done in proper way also for the additional purpose of improving machinability by
reducing the chip-tool contact area, cutting forces and crater wear of the cutting tool.
1.5.5.2 Principles of chip-breaking
In respect of convenience and safety, closed coil type chips of short length and ‘coma’ shaped broken-to-
half turn chips are ideal in machining of ductile metals and alloys at high speed.
The principles and methods of chip breaking are generally classified as follows:
Self chip breaking - This is accomplished without using a separate chip-breaker either as an
attachment or an additional geometrical modification of the tool.
Forced chip breaking - This is accomplished by additional tool geometrical features or devices.

a) Self breaking of chips

Ductile chips usually become curled or tend to curl (like clock spring) even in machining by tools
with flat rake surface due to unequal speed of flow of the chip at its free and generated (rubbed) surfaces
and unequal temperature and cooling rate at those two surfaces. With the increase in cutting velocity and
rake angle (positive) the radius of curvature increases, which is more dangerous.
In case of oblique cutting due to presence of inclination angle, restricted cutting effect etc. the
curled chips deviate laterally resulting helical coiling of the chips. The curled chips may self break:
By natural fracturing of the strain hardened outgoing chip after sufficient cooling and spring back
as indicated in Fig. 1.27 (a). This kind of chip breaking is generally observed under the condition
close to that which favors formation of jointed or segmented chips.
By striking against the cutting surface of the job, as shown in Fig. 1.27 (b), mostly under pure
orthogonal cutting.
By striking against the tool flank after each half to full turn as indicated in Fig. 1.27 (c).

(a) Natural (b) Striking on job (c) Striking at tool flank

Fig. 1.27 Principles of self breaking of chips
The possibility and pattern of self chip-breaking depend upon the work material, tool material and tool
geometry (γ, λ, φ and r), levels of the process parameters (V C and fo) and the machining environment
(cutting fluid application) which are generally selected keeping in view the overall machinability.

b) Forced chip-breaking
The hot continuous chip becomes hard and brittle at a distance from its origin due to work hardening and
cooling. If the running chip does not become enough curled and work hardened, it may not break. In that
case the running chip is forced to bend or closely curl so that it breaks into pieces at regular intervals.
Such broken chips are of regular size and shape depending upon the configuration of the chip breaker.
Chip breakers are basically of two types:
In-built type.
Clamped or attachment type.
In-built breakers are in the form of step or groove at the rake surface near the cutting edges of the tools.

18
Such chip breakers are provided either:
After their manufacture - in case of HSS tools like drills, milling cutters, broaches etc and
brazed type carbide inserts.
During their manufacture by powder metallurgical process - e.g., throw away type inserts
of carbides, ceramics and cermets.
The basic principle of forced chip breaking is schematically shown in Fig. 1.28. When the strain
hardened and brittle running chip strikes the heel, the cantilever chip gets forcibly bent and then breaks.

W = width, H = height, β = shear angle

Fig. 1.28 Principle of forced chip breaking
Fig. 1.29 (a, b, c and d) schematically shows some commonly used step type chip breakers:
Parallel step.
Angular step; positive and negative type.
Parallel step with nose radius - for heavy cuts.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Fig. 1.29 Step type in-built chip breaker (a) Parallel step
(b) Parallel and radiused (c) Positive angular (d) Negative angular
Fig. 1.30 (a and b) schematically shows some commonly used groove type in-built chip breakers:
Circular groove.
Tilted Vee groove.

19
 (a) Circular groove (b) Tilted Vee groove Fig.
1.30 Groove type in-built chip breaker The unique characteristics of in-built
chip breakers are:
The outer end of the step or groove acts as the heel that forcibly bends and fractures the running
chip.
Simple in configuration, easy manufacture and inexpensive.
The geometry of the chip-breaking features is fixed once made. (i.e., cannot be controlled)
Effective only for fixed range of speed and feed for any given tool-work combination.

(c) Clamped type chip-breaker

Clamped type chip breakers work basically in the principle of stepped type chip-breaker but have the
provision of varying the width of the step and / or the angle of the heel.
Fig. 1.31 (a, b and c) schematically shows three such chip breakers of common use:
With fixed distance and angle of the additional strip - effective only for a limited domain of
parametric combination.
With variable width (W) only - little versatile.
With variable width (W), height
(H) and angle (β) - quite versatile
but less rugged and more
expensive.

(a)

(c)

(b)

(a) Fixed geometry (b) Variable width (c) Variable width and angle
Fig. 1.31 Clamped type chip breakers

20
(d) Chip breakers in solid HSS tools
Despite advent of several modern cutting tool materials, HSS is still used for its excellent TRS
(transverse rupture strength) and toughness, formability, grindability and low cost. The cutting tools
made of solid HSS blanks, such as form tools, twist drills, slab milling cutters, broaches etc, are also
often used with suitable chip breakers for breaking the long or wide continuous chips.
The handling of wide and long chips often becomes difficult particularly while drilling large diameter
and deep holes. Grooves, either on the rake faces or on the flanks as shown in Fig. 1.32 help to break the
chips both along the length and breadth in drilling ductile metals. The locations of the grooves are offset
in the two cutting edges.

(a) (b)

Fig. 1.32 Chip breaking grooves. (a) Crisp design of chip-breaking drill
(b) US industrial design of chip-breaking drill
Fig. 1.33 Designs of chip-breaking drill
Fig. 1.33 (a and b) schematically shows another principle of chip-breaking when the drilling chips are
forced to tighter curling followed by breaking of the strain hardened chips into pieces.
Plain milling and end milling inherently produces discontinuous ‘coma’ shaped chips of favorably
shorter length. But the chips become very wide while milling wide surfaces and may offer problem of
chip disposal. To reduce this problem, the milling cutters are provided with small peripheral grooves on
the cutting edges as shown in Fig. 1.34. Such in-built type chip breakers break the wide chips into a
number of chips of much shorter width. Similar groove type chip-breakers are also often provided along
the teeth of broaches, for breaking the chips to shorter width and ease of disposal.

Fig. 1.34 Chip breaking grooves on a plain helical milling cutter

(e) Dynamic chip breaker

Dynamic turning is a special technique, where the cutting tool is deliberately vibrated along the direction
of feed as indicated in Fig. 1.35 at suitable frequency and amplitude. Such additional controlled tool
oscillation caused by mechanical, hydraulic or electro-magnetic (solenoid) shaker improves surface
finish. This also reduces the cutting forces and enhances the tool life due to more effective cooling and
lubrication at the chip tool and work tool interfaces for intermittent break of the tool-work contact. Such
technique, if further slightly adjusted, can also help breaking the chips. When the two surfaces of the chip
will be waved by phase difference of about 90 0, the chip will either break immediately or will come out
in the form of bids, which will also break with slight bending or pressure as indicated in Fig. 1.35. This
technique of chip breaking can also be accomplished in dynamic drilling and dynamic boring. Fig. 1.36
schematically shows another possible dynamic chip-breaking device suitable for radially fed type lathe
operations, e.g., facing, grooving and parting.

21
 Fig 1.35 Self chip breaking in dynamic turning Fig 1.36 Dynamic chip breaking in radial
operations in lathe
1.5.5.3 Overall effects of chip breaking Favorable
effects:
Safety of the operator(s) from the hot, sharp continuous chip flowing out at high speed.
Convenience of collection and disposal of chips.
A chance of damage of the finished surface by entangling or rubbing with the chip is eliminated.
More effective cutting fluid action due to shorter and varying chip tool contact length.
Unfavorable effects:
Chances of harmful vibration due to frequent chip breaking and hitting at the heel or flank of the
tool bit.
More heat and stress concentration near the sharp cutting edge and hence chances of its rapid
failure.
Surface finish may deteriorate.
1.6 ORTHOGONAL METAL CUTTING
1.6.1 Benefit of knowing and purpose of determining cutting forces The
aspects of the cutting forces concerned:
Magnitude of the cutting forces and their components.
Directions and locations of action of those forces.
Pattern of the forces: static and / or dynamic.
Knowing or determination of the cutting forces facilitate or are required for:
Estimation of cutting power consumption, which also enables selection of the power source(s)
during design of the machine tools.
Structural design of the machine - fixture - tool system.
Evaluation of role of the various machining parameters (process - V C, fo, t, tool - material and
geometry, environment - cutting fluid) on cutting forces.
Study of behaviour and machinability characterization of the work materials. Condition
monitoring of the cutting tools and machine tools.

1.6.2 Cutting force components and their significances

The single point cutting tools being used for turning, shaping, planing, slotting, boring etc. are
characterized by having only one cutting force during machining. But that force is resolved into two or
three components for ease of analysis and exploitation. Fig. 1.37 visualizes how the single cutting force
in turning is resolved into three components along the three orthogonal directions; X, Y and Z.

22
 The resolution of the force components in turning can be more conveniently understood from
their display in 2-D as shown in Fig. 1.38.

Fig. 1.37 Cutting force R resolved into PX, PY and PZ Fig. 1.38 turning force resolved into PZ, PX and PY

The resultant cutting force, R is resolved as,

R = PZ + PXY 1.13
and PXY = PX + PY 1.14
where, PX = PXY sinφ 1.15
and PY = PXY cosφ 1.16
PZ - Tangential component taken in the direction of Zm axis.
PX - Axial component taken in the direction of longitudinal feed or Xm axis.
PY - Radial or transverse component taken along Ym axis.
In Fig. 1.37 and Fig. 1.38 the force components are shown to be acting on the tool. A similar set
of forces also act on the job at the cutting point but in opposite directions as indicated by PZ', PXY', PX'
and PY' in Fig. 1.38.
Significance of PZ, PX and PY
PZ: Called the main or major component as it is the largest in magnitude. It is also called power
component as it being acting along and being multiplied by VC decides cutting power (PZ.VC)
consumption.
PY: May not be that large in magnitude but is responsible for causing dimensional inaccuracy and
vibration.
PX: It, even if larger than PY, is least harmful and hence least significant.

1.6.3 Merchant’s Circle Diagram and its use

In orthogonal cutting when the chip flows along the orthogonal plane, π 0, the cutting force (resultant)
and its components PZ and PXY remain in the orthogonal plane. Fig. 1.39 is schematically

showing the forces acting on a piece of continuous chip coming out from the shear zone at a constant
speed. That chip is apparently in a state of equilibrium.

23
 Fig 1.39 Development of Merchant’s Fig. 1.40 Merchant’s Circle Diagram
circle diagram with cutting forces
The forces in the chip segment are:
From job-side:
Ps - Shear force.
Pn - force normal to the shear force.
From the tool side:
R1 = R (in state of equilibrium) where, R1 = F + N
N - Force normal to rake face.
F - Friction force at chip tool interface.
The resulting cutting force R or R1 can be resolved further as,
R1 = PZ + PXY where, PZ - Force along the velocity vector.
PXY - force along orthogonal plane.
The circle(s) drawn taking R or R 1 as diameter is called Merchant’s circle which contains all the force
components concerned as intercepts. The two circles with their forces are combined into one circle
having all the forces contained in that as shown by the diagram called Merchant’s Circle Diagram
(MCD) in Fig. 1.40.
The significance of the forces displayed in the Merchant’s Circle Diagram is:
Ps - The shear force essentially required to produce or separate the chip from the parent body by shear.
Pn - Inherently exists along with Ps.
F - Friction force at the chip tool interface.
N - Force acting normal to the rake surface.
PZ = PXY – PX + PY = main force or power component acting in the direction of cutting velocity.
The magnitude of PS provides the yield shear strength of the work material under the cutting action. The
values of F and the ratio of F and N indicate the nature and degree of interaction like friction at the chip
tool interface. The force components PX, PY, PZ are generally obtained by direct measurement. Again P Z
helps in determining cutting power and specific energy requirement. The force components are also
required to design the cutting tool and the machine tool.

1.6.4 Advantageous use of Merchant’s circle diagram Proper

use of MCD enables the followings:

24
 Easy, quick and reasonably accurate determination of several other forces from a few known
forces involved in machining.
Friction at chip tool interface and dynamic yield shear strength can be easily determined.
Equations relating the different forces are easily developed.
Some limitations of use of MCD:
Merchant’s circle diagram (MCD) is only valid for orthogonal cutting.
By the ratio, F/N, the MCD gives apparent (not actual) coefficient of friction. It
is based on single shear plane theory.

1.6.5 Development of equations for estimation of cutting forces

The two basic methods of determination of cutting forces and their characteristics are:
(a) Analytical method: Enables estimation of cutting forces.
Characteristics:
Easy, quick and inexpensive.
Very approximate and average.
Effect of several factors like cutting velocity, cutting fluid action etc. are not revealed. Unable
to depict the dynamic characteristics of the forces.
(b) Experimental methods: Direct measurement. Characteristics:
Quite accurate and provides true picture.
Can reveal effect of variation of any parameter on the forces.
Depicts both static and dynamic parts of the forces.
Needs measuring facilities, expertise and hence expensive.
The equations for analytical estimation of the salient cutting force components are conveniently
developed using Merchant’s Circle Diagram (MCD) when it is orthogonal cutting by any single point
cutting tool like, in turning, shaping, planing, boring etc.

1.6.6 Development of mathematical expressions for cutting forces

Tangential or main component, PZ
This can be very conveniently done by using Merchant’s Circle Diagram, as shown in Fig. 1.40.
From the MCD shown in Fig. 1.40,
PZ = Rcos(η – γ) 1.17
Ps = Rcos(β + η – γ) 1.18
Dividing Eqn. 1.17 by Eqn. 1.18,
PZ = Ps cos(η – γ) / cos(β + η – γ) 1.19
It was already shown that, Ps = t.f. τs / sinβ 1.20 where,
τs - Dynamic yield shear strength of the work material.
Thus, PZ = t.f. τs cos(η – γ) / sinβ cos(β + η – γ) 1.21
0
For brittle work materials, like grey cast iron, usually, 2β + η – γ = 90 and τs remains almost
unchanged.
Then for turning brittle material,
PZ = t.f. τs cos(900 – 2β) / sinβ cos(900 – β) 1.22 or
PZ = 2 t.f. τs cotβ 1.23
Where, cotβ = rc – tanγ
rc = a2 / a1 = a2 / f sinφ
It is difficult to measure chip thickness and evaluate the values of ζ while machining brittle materials and
the value of τs is roughly estimated from

25
 τs = 0.175 BHN 1.24
where, BHN - Brinnel’s Hardness number.
But most of the engineering materials are ductile in nature and even some semi-brittle materials behave
ductile under the cutting condition. The angle relationship reasonably accurately applicable for ductile
metals is
β + η – γ = 450 1.25
and the value of τs is obtained from,
τs = 0.186 BHN (approximate) 1.26
or τs = 0.74σuε0.6∆ (more suitable and accurate) 1.27 where,
σu - Ultimate tensile strength of the work material ε - Cutting strain, ε rc – tanγ ∆-%
elongation
Substituting Eqn. 1.25 in Eqn. 1.21,
PZ = t.f. τs(cot β + 1) 1.28
Again cotβ rc – tanγ
So, PZ = t.f.τs(rc – tanγ + 1) 1.29

Axial force, PX and transverse force, PY

From the MCD shown in Fig. 1.40,
PXY = PZ tan(η – γ) 1.30
Combining Eqn. 1.21 and Eqn. 1.30,
PXY = t.f.τs sin(η – γ) / sinβ cos(β + η – γ) 1.31
0
Again, using the angle relationship β + η – γ = 45 , for ductile material
PXY = t.f.τs(cotβ – 1) 1.32 or
PXY = t.f.τs(rc – tanγ – 1) 1.33
where, τs = 0.74σuε0.6∆ or τs = 0.186 BHN
It is already known,
PX = PXYsinφ and PY = PXYcosφ
Therefore, PX = t.f.τs(rc – tanγ – 1)sinφ 1.34
and PY = t.f.τs(rc – tanγ – 1) cosφ 1.35

Friction force, F, normal force, N and apparent coefficient of friction µa

From the MCD shown in Fig. 1.40,
F = PZ sinγ + PXY cosγ 1.36 and
N = PZ cosγ – PXY sinγ 1.37 µa = F /
N = PZ sinγ + PXY cosγ / PZ cosγ – PXY sinγ 1.38 or µa = PZ tanγ +
PXY / PZ – PXY tanγ 1.39
Therefore, if PZ and PXY are known or determined either analytically or experimentally the values
of F, N and µa can be determined using equations only.
Shear force Ps and Pn
From the MCD shown in Fig. 1.40,
Ps = PZ cosβ – PXY sinβ 1.40
and Pn = PZ sinβ + PXY cosβ 1.41
From Ps, the dynamic yield shear strength of the work material, τs can be determined by using the
relation,

26
 Ps = Asτs
where, As = t.f / sinβ = Shear area Therefore,
τs = Ps sinβ / t.f
τs = (PZ cosβ – PXY sinβ)sinβ / t.f 1.42

1.6.7 Metal cutting theories

1.6.7.1 Earnst - Merchant theory
Earnst and Merchant have developed a relationship between the shear angle β, the cutting rake angle γ,
and the angle of friction η as follows:
2β + η – γ = C where C is a machining constant for the work material dependent on the rate of change
of the shear strength of the metal with applied compressive stress, besides taking the internal coefficient
of friction into account.

1.6.7.2 Modified - Merchant theory

According to this theory the relation between the shear angle β, the cutting rake angle γ, and the angle of
friction η as follows:
β= - +
Shear will take place in a direction in which energy required for shearing is minimum. Shear
stress is maximum at the shear plane and it remains constant.

1.6.7.3 Lee and Shaffer’s theory

This theory analysis the process of orthogonal metal cutting by applying the theory of plasticity for an
ideal rigid plastic material. The principle assumptions are:
The work piece material ahead of the cutting tool behaves like an ideal plastic material.
The deformation of the metal occurs on a single shear plane.
This is a stress field within the produced chip which transmits the cutting force from the shear
plane to the tool face and therefore, the chip does not get hardened.
The chip separates from the parent material at the shear plane.
Based on this, they developed a slip line field for stress zone, in which no deformation would occur even
if it is stressed to its yield point. From this, they derived the following relationship. β = - η + γ

1.6.8 Velocity relationship

The velocity relationships for orthogonal cutting are illustrated in fig. 2.7 where V C is the cutting
velocity, Vs is the velocity of shear and Vf is the velocity of chip flow up the tool face.
Vs = VC cosγ / cos(β – γ) 1.43
and Vf = sinβ / cos(β – γ) 1.44
From equation V f = V C / rc
It can be inferred from the principle of kinematics that the relative velocity of two bodies (here tool and
the chip) is equal to the vector difference between their velocities relative to the reference body
(the workpiece). So, VC = Vs + Vf 1.45
1.6.9 Metal removal rate
It is defined as the volume of metal removed in unit time. It is used to calculate the time required to
remove specified quantity of material from the work piece.
Metal removal rate (MRR) = t. f.VC 1.46
where, t - Depth of cut (mm), f - Feed (mm / rev) and VC - Cutting speed (mm / sec).
If the MRR is optimum, we can reduce the machining cost. To achieve this:

27
 The cutting tool material should be proper.
Cutting tool should be properly ground.
Tool should be supported rigidly and therefore, there should be any vibration.
For turning operation, MRR = t.f.VC 1.47
For facing and spot milling operation, MRR = B.t.T 1.48
where B - Width of cut (mm) and T- Table travel (mm /sec).
For planing and shaping, MRR = t.f.L.S 1.49
where L - length of workpiece (mm) and S - Strokes per minute.

1.6.10 Evaluation of cutting power consumption and specific energy requirement

Cutting power consumption is a quite important issue and it should always be tried to be reduced but
without sacrificing MRR.
Cutting power consumption (PC) can be determined from, PC = PZ.VC + PX.Vf 1.50
where, Vf = feed velocity = Nf / 1000 m/min [N = rpm]
Since both PX and Vf, specially Vf are very small, PX.Vf can be neglected and then PC PZ.VC 1.51

Specific energy requirement (Us) which means amount of energy required to remove unit volume
of material, is an important machinability characteristics of the work material. Specific energy
requirement, Us, which should be tried to be reduced as far as possible, depends not only on the work
material but also the process of the machining, such as turning, drilling, grinding etc. and the machining
condition, i.e., VC, f, tool material and geometry and cutting fluid application.
Compared to turning, drilling requires higher specific energy for the same work-tool materials and
grinding requires very large amount of specific energy for adverse cutting edge geometry (large negative
rake). Specific energy, Us, is determined from,

Us = PZ.VC / MRR = PZ/ t.f 1.52

1.7 CUTTING TOOL MATERIALS

1.7.1 Essential properties of cutting tool materials
The cutting tools need to be capable to meet the growing demands for higher productivity and economy
as well as to machine the exotic materials which are coming up with the rapid progress in science and
technology. The cutting tool material of the day and future essentially require the following properties to
resist or retard the phenomena leading to random or early tool failure:
High mechanical strength; compressive, tensile, and TRA.
Fracture toughness - high or at least adequate.
High hardness for abrasion resistance.
High hot hardness to resist plastic deformation and reduce wear rate at elevated temperature.
Chemical stability or inertness against work material, atmospheric gases and cutting fluids.
Resistance to adhesion and diffusion.
Thermal conductivity - low at the surface to resist incoming of heat and high at the core to quickly
dissipate the heat entered.
High heat resistance and stiffness.
Manufacturability, availability and low cost.
1.7.2 Needs and chronological development of cutting tool materials
With the progress of the industrial world it has been needed to continuously develop and improve the
cutting tool materials and geometry:
To meet the growing demands for high productivity, quality and economy of machining.

28
 To enable effective and efficient machining of the exotic materials those are coming up with the
rapid and vast progress of science and technology.
For precision and ultra-precision machining.
For micro and even nano machining demanded by the day and future.
It is already stated that the capability and overall performance of the cutting tools depend upon:
The cutting tool materials.
The cutting tool geometry.
Proper selection and use of those tools.
The machining conditions and the environments.
Out of which the tool material plays the most vital role. The relative contribution of the cutting tool
materials on productivity, for instance, can be roughly assessed from Fig. 1.41.
The chronological development of cutting tool materials is briefly indicated in Fig. 1.42.

Fig. 1.41 Productivity raised by cutting tool materials

Fig 1.42 Chronological development of cutting tool materials

1.7.3 Characteristics and applications of cutting tool materials

29
a) High Speed Steel (HSS)
Advent of HSS in around 1905 made a break through at that time in the history of cutting tool materials
though got later superseded by many other novel tool materials like cemented carbides and ceramics
which could machine much faster than the HSS tools.
The basic composition of HSS is 18% W, 4% Cr, 1% V, 0.7% C and rest Fe. Such HSS tool could
machine (turn) mild steel jobs at speed only up to 20 ~ 30 m/min (which was quite substantial those
days)
However, HSS is still used as cutting tool material where:
The tool geometry and mechanics of chip formation are complex, such as helical twist drills,
reamers, gear shaping cutters, hobs, form tools, broaches etc.
Brittle tools like carbides, ceramics etc. are not suitable under shock loading.
The small scale industries cannot afford costlier tools.
The old or low powered small machine tools cannot accept high speed and feed.
The tool is to be used number of times by resharpening.
With time the effectiveness and efficiency of HSS (tools) and their application range were gradually
enhanced by improving its properties and surface condition through:
Refinement of microstructure.
Addition of large amount of cobalt and Vanadium to increase hot hardness and wear resistance
respectively.
Manufacture by powder metallurgical process.
Surface coating with heat and wear resistive materials like TiC, TiN, etc. by Chemical Vapour
Deposition (CVD) or Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD). The commonly used grades of HSS are given
in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1 Compositions and types of popular high speed steels
Type C W Mo Cr V Co RC
T-1 0.70 18 4 1
T-4 0.75 18 4 1 5
T-6 0.80 20 4 2 12
M-2 0.80 6 5 4 2 64.7
M-4 1.30 6 5 4 4
M - 15 1.55 6 3 5 5 5
M - 42 1.08 1.5 9.5 4 1.1 8 62.4
Addition of large amount of Co and V, refinement of microstructure and coating increased strength and
wear resistance and thus enhanced productivity and life of the HSS tools remarkably.

b) Stellite
This is a cast alloy of Co (40 to 50%), Cr (27 to 32%), W (14 to 19%) and C (2%). Stellite is quite tough
and more heat and wear resistive than the basic HSS (18 - 4 - 1) But such stellite as cutting tool material
became obsolete for its poor grindability and especially after the arrival of cemented carbides.

c) Sintered Tungsten carbides

The advent of sintered carbides made another breakthrough in the history of cutting tool
materials.

30
i) Straight or single carbide
First the straight or single carbide tools or inserts were powder metallurgically produced by mixing,
compacting and sintering 90 to 95% WC powder with cobalt. The hot, hard and wear resistant WC grains
are held by the binder Co which provides the necessary strength and toughness. Such tools are suitable
for machining grey cast iron, brass, bronze etc. which produce short discontinuous chips and at cutting
velocities two to three times of that possible for HSS tools.

ii) Composite carbides

The single carbide is not suitable for machining steels because of rapid growth of wear, particularly
crater wear, by diffusion of Co and carbon from the tool to the chip under the high stress and temperature
bulk (plastic) contact between the continuous chip and the tool surfaces.
For machining steels successfully, another type called composite carbide have been developed by
adding (8 to 20%) a gamma phase to WC and Co mix. The gamma phase is a mix of TiC, TiN, TaC, NiC
etc. which are more diffusion resistant than WC due to their more stability and less wettability by steel.

iii) Mixed carbides

Titanium carbide (TiC) is not only more stable but also much harder than WC. So for machining ferritic
steels causing intensive diffusion and adhesion wear a large quantity (5 to 25%) of TiC is added with WC
and Co to produce another grade called mixed carbide. But increase in TiC content reduces the toughness
of the tools. Therefore, for finishing with light cut but high speed, the harder grades containing up to
25% TiC are used and for heavy roughing work at lower speeds lesser amount (5 to 10%) of TiC is
suitable.

Gradation of cemented carbides and their applications

The standards developed by ISO for grouping of carbide tools and their application ranges are given in
Table 1.2.
Table 1.2 Broad classifications of carbide tools
ISO Code Colour Code Application

For machining long chip forming common materials like plain carbon and
P Sky blue
low alloy steels.

For machining long or short chip forming ferrous materials like Stainless
M Yellow
steel.

For machining short chipping, ferrous and non-ferrous material and

K Red
nonmetals like Cast Iron, Brass etc.

K-group is suitable for machining short chip producing ferrous and non-ferrous metals and also
some non metals.

P-group is suitably used for machining long chipping ferrous metals i.e. plain carbon and low
alloy steels.

M-group is generally recommended for machining more difficult-to-machine materials like strain
hardening austenitic steel and manganese steel etc.
Each group again is divided into some subgroups like P10, P20 etc., as shown in Table 1.3 depending
upon their properties and applications.

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 Table 1.3 Detail grouping of cemented carbide tools
ISO
App. Material Process
group
P01 Steel, Steel castings Precision and finish machining, high speed
P10 Steel, steel castings Turning, threading and milling high speed, small chips
Steel, steel castings, malleable
P20 Turning, milling, medium speed with small chip section
cast iron
Steel, steel castings, malleable
P30 Turning, milling, low cutting speed, large chip section
cast iron forming long chips
Steel and steel casting with
P40 Turning, planning, low cutting speed, large chip section
sand inclusions
Steel and steel castings of Operations requiring high toughness turning, planning,
P50
medium or low tensile strength shaping at low cutting speeds
Hard grey C.I., chilled casting,
K01 Turning, precision turning and boring, milling, scraping
Al. alloys with high silicon
Grey C.I. hardness > 220 HB.
K10 Malleable C.I., Al. alloys Turning, milling, boring, reaming, broaching, scraping
containing Si
Grey C.I. hardness up to 220
K20 Turning, milling, broaching, requiring high toughness
HB
Soft grey C.I. Low tensile
K30 Turning, reaming under favourable conditions
strength steel
K40 Soft non-ferrous metals Turning milling etc.
Steel, steel castings, Turning at medium or high cutting speed, medium chip
M10
manganese steel, grey C.I. section
Steel casting, austenitic steel,
Turning, milling, medium cutting speed and medium
M20 manganese steel, spherodized
chip section
C.I., Malleable C.I.
Steel, austenitic steel,
Turning, milling, planning, medium cutting speed,
M30 spherodized C.I. heat resisting
medium or large chip section
alloys

Free cutting steel, low tensile

Turning, profile turning, especially in automatic
M40 strength steel, brass and light
machines.
alloy

The smaller number refers to the operations which need more wear resistance and the larger
numbers to those requiring higher toughness for the tool.

d) Plain ceramics
Inherently high compressive strength, chemical stability and hot hardness of the ceramics led to powder
metallurgical production of indexable ceramic tool inserts since 1950. Table 1.4 shows the advantages
and limitations of alumina ceramics in contrast to sintered carbide. Alumina (Al2O3) is preferred to

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silicon nitride (Si3N4) for higher hardness and chemical stability. Si3N4 is tougher but again more difficult
to process. The plain ceramic tools are brittle in nature and hence had limited applications.

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