Contact processes in cutting with cemented-carbide tools

The rational use of cemented carbide cutting tools is impossible without knowledge of physical phenomena which occur in cutting. Among all physical processes, contact processes which take a place on contact surfaces between tool, chip and work material are most important. These processes being self-adjusted control all other phenomena which occur in cutting. In this chapter different contact conditions are analyzed. Experimental results obtained relate to contact parameters and their dependencies on cutting conditions. The role of tool-chip contact length as the main factor which controls other contact parameters is highlighted. Basing on the analysis of stressed state in the chip contact layer the actual tool-chip contact area is determined. Experimental study of this area is described. Also, results of contact process analysis are presented for the tool flank. Data obtained could be considered as the basis for both determining cutting wedge strength and analyzing tool wear.