Cutting edge preparation in machining processes

In modern manufacturing industry it is essential to produce under low costs and high quality of products in a short time. This is possible by selecting the cutting parameters in order to achieve high accuracy and low processing time. Usually the desired cutting parameters are determined based on experience or by use of various handbooks but the cutting tool capability is not fully employed. The tool wear has detrimental effect on surface roughness and costs of production as well as on cutting tool performance and machining process reliability. The mesoand microgeometries of tool design have long been poorly considered by end users and by researchers, because of the lack of manufacturing procedure leading to accurate edge radius preparation. The problem of cutting edge preparation requires considering the appropriate integration of the following aspects: workpiece, machining process, machine tool, surroundings and cutting tool. The application of the edge preparation process seeks to solve this problem by means of the elimination of defects and irregularities and by the generation of defined edge geometry and by modifying the micro-topography of the edge and the micro-structuring of the face and flank of the tool. This article is an outline of literature knowledge concerning the cutting edge design and cutting edge preparation.