Edge Preparation Methods For Cemented Carbide Cutting Tools

Edge preparation is not only the process of grinding proper cutting edgegeometry and removing micro-cracks on cutting edge region, but also a way ofimproving cutting tool life. These micro-cracks on cutting edge will cause early breakage oncutting tools and accelerate tool wear, and reduce cemented carbide tool life. Edge preparation canimprove the cutting edge quality. In this paper, edge preparation experiments were carried out forcemented carbide tools. The cutting processes were simulated with FEM. The cutting experimentof edge preparation tools were carried out.Brushing for cemented carbide cutting tool edge preparation was carried out by alteringpreparation feed, abrasive brush size, spindle speed and brushing time. Experimental results showthat preparation time and spindle speed were the main influence factors on the edge preparationeffects, followed by the abrasive brush size and preparation feed. The edge preparation technologyof cemented carbide tools was determined based on experimental results. Moreover, vibratingpolishing experiment for cemented carbide cutting tool edge preparation was carried out by alteringvibrating time, abrasive particle size and tool clamping way to determine the optimum technologyof tool vibration polishing preparation. By the edge preparation experiment, we proved that edgepreparation could change the cutting edge geometry and improve the cutting edge quality.Cutting model with different cutting edge radius was set up with Deform-2D software. Thesimulation results show that edge radius has influence on cutting force, cutting temperature andtool wear. Tool cutting behavior is concerned with edge radius. A proper edge radius will improvethe tool life. Finally,45steel cutting tests were finished using different edge radius of cutting tools.The experiment results showed that edge preparation could improve impact resistance capabilityand reduce tool chipping. The cutting tool life could be prolonged. Edge preparation can improvecutting performance of the cutting tool.