Cutting Tools

A subset of form relief tools, port contour cutters perform multiple machining processes in one pass.

This article looks at advantages of button cutters, particularly for high-speed machining.

New alloys improve the performance of HSS cutting tools.

A look at Swiss-style cutting tools and how they are applied.

A new turning tool emits an electric signal when its insert reaches a predetermined wear point or breaks. Called Sensor Tool, sections of the coated insert are ablated by a laser, thereby creating an electronic circuit.

The trend toward developing finer and finer carbide grains continues. The author looks at recent developments in the production of nanosized tungsten-carbide grains, which are smaller than 0.2 microns in diameter. Though not used widely at present for the production of cutting tools, some predict that will change as the technology evolves.

Ninety-nine percent of indexable tools that break can be repaired, according to companies that repair tools. And, they say, a broken indexable tool can
be repaired so it performs as well as or better than the original.

Round-up of five recently introduced indexable tools: stub drill, universal
milling cutter, center-cutting endmill, dovetail cutter and insert clamp.

The author, an expert on cutting tool edge preparation, explains the importance of applying the proper edge hone to a tool. He also discusses a brush-type honing machine designed to apply a variable edge--a capability not available with other machines on the market.

Ion implantation bombards a tool's surface with accelerated metal ions. According to this article, the process increases tool life and the performance of tool coatings. Two theories explaining why the process works are also discussed.