切槽刀具的正确使用方法

Grooving tool is an essential machining process used to produce precise channels, slots and profiles in a wide range of metal components. When done correctly, grooving tools can machine these features to tight tolerances while achieving good speeds, tool lives and surface finishes. However, grooving also poses unique challenges due to the concentrated cutting forces and localized heating that occurs at the tool-work interface.

Groove Types：external circular grooving tool, internal bore grooving tool and face grooving tool

It is important to understand the three main groove types, which are external circular grooves, internal bore grooves, and end face grooves. External circular grooves are the easiest to machine as gravity and coolant can help evacuate chips. Additionally, external groove machining is visible and relatively easy for the operator to directly and easily check workpiece quality. However, potential obstacles from workpiece design or fixtures must still be avoided. In general, groove cutter performance is best when the tooltip is kept slightly below the centerline.

Internal bore grooves are similar to external circular grooves, but coolant application and chip evacuation present more challenges. For internal bores, the best performance occurs when the tooltip is slightly above the centerline.

Machining end face grooves requires the capability for axial tool movement and matching of the tool backface radius to the machined radius. End face groove cutters perform best with the tooltip positioned slightly above the centerline.

Machining Center and Application

In grooving processes, machine tool design and technical conditions are also basic elements that need consideration. Some key performance requirements for machine tools include: having sufficient power to ensure the tool runs at the proper speed range without deceleration or vibration; high enough rigidity to complete the required machining without chatter; sufficient cooling liquid pressure and flow rate to assist chip evacuation; and high enough precision.

Additionally, properly debugging and calibrating the machine tool is crucially important for machining grooves with correct shapes and dimensions.

Workpiece Material Characteristics

It is crucial to be familiar with some characteristics of the workpiece material (such as tensile strength, hardening behavior during machining, and ductility) to understand how it will impact the tool. Different material-tool combinations of cutting speed, feed rate and tool properties are needed when machining different workpiece materials. Some materials may also require specific tool geometries to control chips, or coatings to extend tool life.

Correct Tool Selection

Correct tool selection and application determine machining cost-effectiveness. Groove tools can machine the part geometry in two ways: 1) rough shape from a single pass, or 2) multi-pass incremental roughing to final dimensions. Coatings improving chip evacuation performance can be considered after tool geometry choice.

Form Tools

Form tools should be considered for high-volume production, as they machine the entire or most of the groove shape in a single pass to clear tool positions and shorten cycle times. A disadvantage of non-segmented form tools is the need to replace the entire tool if one tooth wears faster than others. Tool power demands from chip formation during form cutting must also be addressed.

Choose Multifunction Capable Tools

Multifunction tools that allow for axial and radial tool paths offer flexibility. Such tools can machine grooves as well as turn diameters, and radii with interpolation moves, and angles. They also enable multi-axis turning. Once engaged, the tool moves axially from one end of the workpiece to the other while maintaining contact, as opposed to traditional single-point machining.

Choose the Correct machining Sequence

Determining an optimal process sequence requires considering multiple factors, such as how machining grooves impacts workpiece strength before and after. Grooving weakens the workpiece which may prompt lower-than-ideal feeds and speeds in subsequent operations to avoid chatter, lengthening cycle times and reducing tool life and stability.

Another consideration is whether burrs from later operations could be pushed into finished grooves. Empirically, outside and inside diameters should generally be turned first before beginning grooving from the furthest points from the chuck or fixture and working inward to avoid pushing debris.

Correct Machining Sequence

Feed rate and cutting speed play a critical role in grooving. Incorrect values can induce chatter, reduce tool life, and lengthen cycle times. Factors influencing feeds and speeds include workpiece material, tool geometry, coolant type/concentration, coating, and machine capabilities. Rework is often needed to remedy issues from improper feeds and speeds.

While “optimized” information sources list ideal feeds and speeds for various tools, the most up-to-date and practical guidance generally comes directly from tool manufacturers.

Appropriate Tool Coating

Tool coatings can significantly increase the life of cemented carbide-cutting tools. In addition to providing a lubricious layer between the tool and chips to shorten machining time and improve surface finish, coatings offer other benefits when properly selected. Common coatings include TiAlN, TiN, TiCN. TiAlN coatings work well for ferrous alloys and are durable at high temperatures due to their thermal stability.

Coolant Selection

Proper coolant application means ensuring adequate coolant reaches the cutting interface between the groove tool and workpiece. Coolant serves the dual roles of cooling the cut and assisting chip evacuation. For grooving blind bores or internal features, increasing coolant pressure at the cutting edge significantly improves chip removal. High-pressure coolant conveys clear advantages for grooving hard-to-machine materials like high-strength, sticky alloys.

Coolant concentration is also crucially important when grooving difficult materials. While typical coolant concentrations range from 3-5%, experimenting with higher concentrations (up to 30%) may further enhance lubrication and provide a protective layer around the insert for improved performance.