Page 73 - Demo

71SOLID TOOLSSolid ToolsHistorically, solid tools are the origin of all cutting tools. In solid tools, the tool material is the cutting material. This material changed according to state of the art: carbon steel, high speed steel (HSS), cemented carbide%u2026 Today%u2019s industrial solid tools (Fig. 9.17-9.20) utilize mainly carbide and HSS structures in various tool designs: turning tools, taps, drills, mills etc. HSS tools have become a classic, and when relating to solid tools, the focus is typically on carbide tools, while emphasis is often placed on rotating solid tools that are commonly known as round tools.Round tools are produced from round workpieces %u2013 cylindrical carbide rods %u2013by grinding. Modern CAD systems and advanced CNC tool grinding machines have ensured a complete rethink of the tool design and manufacturing by providing leeway to 3D modelling to optimize complex cutting geometry (Fig. 9.21) and the actual geometry by use of significantly advanced machine capabilities.Within arm%u2019s reach, round tools of the same type, such as drills or endmills, and sizes look similar, even identical. However, this likeness is ostensible, and finding optimal geometry for a solid tool is a challenging task for tool designers. The design component in creating cutting-edge round tools is highly topical now because progressive CNC grinding machines enable producing tools of common geometries in accordance with tool parameters and machine monitoring by use of embedded software functions. Another element which contributes to the success of round tools relates to strict technology compliance and shop-floor discipline, thus high process quality has a direct impact on tool performance and tool life. In addition, the quality of carbide rods as a third factor to produce effective tools, cannot be discounted.That is why round tools that are so similar at first glance differ in their cutting capabilities and price.Fig. 9.17. abSolid carbide tools: twist drills (a) and miniature grooving tool (b).