Failure of Cemented Carbide Tools When Executing Intermittent Cuts
Premature failure of the cutting edge is a major problem associated with the application of cemented carbide tools in intermittent cutting operations. In such cases, unlike in continuous cutting, the tool edge fails due to fracture, well before the permissible limit of wear is approached. This paper reports some of the findings pertaining to the behavior of cemented carbide tools when used in interrupted cuts on a lathe. Based on the type of tool failure observed, the operating speed and feed range has been divided into four regions and the mode of tool failure in each region has been discussed. From the experimental results obtained, it is possible to specify a safe operating range for cemented carbide tools when executing intermittent cuts.