Glossary Terms

Often used as a tool coating. AlTiN indicates the aluminum content is greater than the titanium. See coated tools.

Extremely hard material added to tungsten carbide to reduce cratering and built-up edge. Also used as a tool coating. See coated tools.

Often used as a tool coating. See coated tools.

Added to titanium-carbide tooling to permit machining of hard metals at high speeds. Also used as a tool coating. See coated tools.

Minimum and maximum amount a workpiece dimension is allowed to vary from a set standard and still be acceptable.

Group of alloy steels which, after proper heat treatment, provide the combination of properties required for cutting tool and die applications. The American Iron and Steel Institute divides tool steels into six major categories: water hardening, shock resisting, cold work, hot work, special purpose and high speed.

Carriage or drum attached to a machining center that holds tools until needed; when a tool is needed, the toolchanger inserts the tool into the machine spindle. See automatic toolchanger.

Secures a cutting tool during a machining operation. Basic types include block, cartridge, chuck, collet, fixed, modular, quick-change and rotating.

2-D or 3-D path generated by program code or a CAM system and followed by tool when machining a part.

High-precision lathe built to hold tighter tolerances than regular, general-purpose lathes can hold. See lathe; turning machine.

Finger of metal that contacts a cutter edge during resharpening on a tool and cutter grinder, ensuring accurate location of edges so they are properly ground.

Combined variations of all dimensions of a workpiece, measured with an indicator, determined by rotating the part 360°.