Short Answer:
A cutting tool is a device used in workshop practice to remove extra material from a workpiece to shape it into the desired size and form. Cutting tools perform operations like cutting, drilling, milling, and turning. These tools are usually made from hard materials that can withstand friction, heat, and pressure during machining processes.
Different types of cutting tools include single-point tools, multipoint tools, and abrasive tools. Common examples are turning tools, drills, milling cutters, grinding wheels, hacksaws, reamers, broaches, and taps. Each type of cutting tool is used for specific tasks to achieve precision and quality in finished products.
Detailed Explanation:
Cutting Tool
A cutting tool is a crucial component in mechanical workshops. It is specifically designed to remove unwanted material from the surface of a workpiece. The main function of a cutting tool is to shape the workpiece according to precise measurements, surface finish requirements, and complex designs. Cutting tools must be very hard, tough, and heat-resistant because they face continuous friction, high temperatures, and significant mechanical stress during operation. They usually have sharp edges or abrasive surfaces capable of cutting or grinding away material from the surface of metal, wood, plastic, or other materials.
Cutting tools are fundamental to various workshop practices because they significantly influence the quality and accuracy of manufactured parts. Selecting the correct cutting tool depends on the type of material being cut, the specific operation to be performed, and the desired surface finish and precision. High-quality cutting tools reduce production costs by extending tool life, improving productivity, and minimizing downtime due to maintenance or replacement.
Types of Cutting Tools
Cutting tools can broadly be classified into three main categories based on the number of cutting edges involved in the operation: single-point, multipoint, and abrasive cutting tools.
- Single-Point Cutting Tools
Single-point cutting tools have only one cutting edge used to perform the machining process. They are mainly used in turning, shaping, and planning operations. The single-point cutting tool removes material layer by layer by moving over or into the surface of the workpiece. These tools are simpler and easier to sharpen, making them cost-effective and ideal for small-scale manufacturing. Examples include lathe cutting tools used for turning, shaping tools, and planing tools. - Multipoint Cutting Tools
Multipoint cutting tools have more than one cutting edge working simultaneously. These tools are commonly used in operations like drilling, milling, broaching, and tapping. Multipoint cutting tools are efficient as multiple edges remove material simultaneously, which enhances productivity, accuracy, and surface quality. Examples of multipoint cutting tools are drills, milling cutters, broaches, reamers, and taps.
- Drills: Used to create cylindrical holes in workpieces.
- Milling Cutters: Used for milling flat, curved, or irregular surfaces.
- Broaches: Designed for producing complex shapes like keyways, splines, and irregular holes.
- Reamers: Used to enlarge existing holes accurately and achieve a smooth finish.
- Taps: Used for creating internal threads within holes.
- Abrasive Cutting Tools
Abrasive cutting tools use abrasive grains like aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, or diamond particles bonded together. These tools operate through grinding and cutting actions and are known for producing high-quality, precision surface finishes. Abrasive tools are typically used for finishing, sharpening, grinding, and polishing applications. Common examples of abrasive tools include grinding wheels, abrasive belts, honing stones, and polishing discs.
- Grinding Wheels: Primarily used for grinding, sharpening, and precision finishing of metallic surfaces.
- Abrasive Belts: Commonly used for grinding, sanding, and finishing operations on larger surfaces.
- Honing Stones: Used to achieve extremely fine and precise surface finishes in cylinder bores or holes.
Each of these cutting tool types serves different purposes, and choosing the right one ensures efficiency, precision, and quality in machining tasks. Proper selection of tools also prolongs tool life and improves the cost-effectiveness of workshop practices.
Conclusion
Cutting tools are essential for precise and efficient machining processes in workshop practices. Understanding their types, characteristics, and specific applications helps in achieving accuracy, productivity, and desired surface finishes. Selecting suitable cutting tools according to operational needs ensures the quality and reliability of manufactured components.