A new method for the characterisation of rounded cutting edges

Abstract

The influence of the cutting edge micro geometry on cutting process and on tool performance is subject of several research projects. Recently published papers focus on optimising the cutting edge rounding. The results are partly inconsistent. Unfortunately, no international standard yet exists to properly describe the cutting edge micro geometry. This is seen as the root cause for detected discrepancies. To develop a common understanding for the influence of rounded cutting edges, it is indispensable to use the same basis to characterise the edge profile. This paper gives a review on existing characterisation methods, analyses the difficulties in their application and discusses different modelling ideas to describe the cutting edge profile. Based hereon, a new algorithm and geometrical parameterisation of the cutting edge is proposed, which reduces uncertainties and difficulties in the application of currently available methods. The proposed method considers measurement uncertainties and is robust against form errors and creates thus the basis required for the study of the influence of rounded cutting edges.