Introduction of Machine and Tool Selection

Over the last few decades there has been a rapid development in machining technology and fierce competition right round the world. This has forced the manufacturing engineers to produce goods of highest quality at lowest possible cost. It is important to note the fact that the quality of a product largely depends on the type of machine, the type of process, machining conditions and the right selection of tools etc., this unit shall deal with the aspects of "Selection of Tools and Cutting Conditions".

There has been considerable development in the design of machine tools as well as cutting tools. However, because of the low cost and the small size, development in cutting tools is not fully appreciated and hence are not given their due share in most of the manufacturing organisations. Unlike the machine tools or any capital goods, the decision regarding purchase of tools is often done with very little enquiry or analysis. But, organisations who are aware of the importance of cutting tools have specialists who study and evaluate the performance of cutting tools before a purchase decision is made.

The current trend in manufacturing is to adopt more and more of automation of the fixed and flexible type. Hence, with a machine tool of a given level of automation the scope for improving productivity to a certain extent lies in the selection and application of cutting tools.

Objectives

After studying this unit, you should be able to

• Elaborate the factors influencing the selection of tools,
• Know the properties of important tool and work material,
• Classify the tools, and
• Decide the various cutting parameters.