Short Answer:

Cutting tools are the tools used in machining operations to remove unwanted material from a workpiece and give it the desired shape and size. These tools have a sharp cutting edge that shears off material in the form of chips. The main function of a cutting tool is to provide accurate and smooth surfaces during operations like turning, milling, drilling, or shaping.

Cutting tools are made from hard and wear-resistant materials such as high-speed steel (HSS), carbide, or ceramic. The selection of the cutting tool depends on the type of material being machined, cutting speed, and required surface finish. Proper cutting tools improve productivity, accuracy, and tool life in machining operations.

Detailed Explanation :

Cutting Tools

A cutting tool is a device used to remove material from a workpiece through a process called cutting or machining. The cutting tool acts as a wedge that shears off unwanted material in the form of chips. It plays a vital role in shaping, sizing, and finishing various metal and non-metal components in manufacturing industries.

Cutting tools are mainly used in metal cutting processes such as turning, drilling, milling, shaping, planing, boring, and grinding. Each process requires a specially designed cutting tool to achieve efficient and accurate results. For example, a single-point cutting tool is used in turning operations on a lathe, while a multi-point cutting tool is used in milling operations.

Functions of Cutting Tools

The main functions of cutting tools are:

1. To remove excess material from the workpiece.
2. To provide a specific shape, size, and surface finish.
3. To perform cutting at a desired feed rate, speed, and depth.
4. To withstand cutting forces and maintain sharpness for longer tool life.
5. To ensure smooth operation without tool wear or breakage.

Requirements of a Good Cutting Tool

A good cutting tool must have specific properties to perform efficiently during machining:

1. Hardness: The tool material must be harder than the workpiece material to cut effectively.
2. Toughness: It must resist shocks and vibrations during the cutting process.
3. Wear Resistance: The tool should resist wear and abrasion to maintain cutting edge for a long time.
4. Heat Resistance: The tool must maintain its hardness at high temperatures generated during cutting.
5. Thermal Conductivity: It should efficiently conduct heat away from the cutting zone.
6. Chemical Stability: The tool should not react chemically with the workpiece or coolant.

Types of Cutting Tools

Cutting tools can be classified into two main types:

1. Single Point Cutting Tools:
   These tools have only one main cutting edge and are used in operations like turning, shaping, and planing. Example: lathe cutting tool.
2. Multi Point Cutting Tools:
   These tools have more than one cutting edge, which perform simultaneous cutting action. Examples include milling cutters, drills, and grinding wheels.

Common Cutting Tool Materials

The performance of cutting tools largely depends on the material from which they are made. Some commonly used tool materials are:

1. High-Speed Steel (HSS):
   Used for general machining operations, HSS tools are tough and can maintain hardness up to about 600°C.
2. Carbide Tools:
   These tools can withstand higher temperatures and cutting speeds. Carbide-tipped tools are commonly used in modern machining.
3. Ceramic Tools:
   Used for high-speed finishing operations, they have excellent hardness but are brittle.
4. Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN):
   Suitable for hard materials, CBN tools provide high wear resistance and surface finish.
5. Diamond Tools:
   These are the hardest tools and used for cutting very hard materials or non-ferrous metals, plastics, and composites.

Geometry of Cutting Tools

A cutting tool has several angles and surfaces that define its geometry:

• Rake Angle: Determines chip flow direction and cutting forces.
• Relief Angle: Prevents rubbing between tool and workpiece.
• Cutting Edge Angle: Influences tool strength and cutting performance.
• Nose Radius: Helps in improving surface finish and tool life.

Proper tool geometry ensures smooth cutting, reduced tool wear, and improved machining accuracy.

Applications of Cutting Tools

Cutting tools are used in almost all manufacturing industries such as automobile, aerospace, machinery, and tool-making. Some common applications include:

• Turning operations in lathes.
• Milling flat or curved surfaces.
• Drilling holes in components.
• Shaping and planing to produce flat surfaces.
• Grinding to achieve fine finishes and precision.

Conclusion:

Cutting tools are essential components in machining processes used to remove material and shape parts accurately. Their effectiveness depends on their design, material, and cutting conditions. A good cutting tool improves production efficiency, ensures dimensional accuracy, and provides a smooth surface finish. Selection of the right tool type and material plays a major role in achieving quality and cost-effective manufacturing.