Effect of cutting edge preparation technologies on surface roughness, processing time and K-factor

Abstract

The geometry of the cutting tool is a crucial factor in its life and performance during the cutting process. In particular, the micro geometry of the tool, which defines the shape of the cutting edge, has a significant effect on plastic deformation, heat generation, and cutting tool life. This article compares three technologies for removing material from cutting tools: wet blasting, dry blasting, and brushing. The focus was on measuring the processing time for each technology to determine its productivity and processing the cutting edge to a specific value. The surface roughness parameters Ra and Rz on the cutting edge were also measured. The K-factor parameter was monitored for the repeatability of the cutting edge process. The results of the experiment indicate that selecting the appropriate cutting edge technology can positively impact both the productivity and roughness of the tool edge.