Effects of Dynamic Chip-Breaking Upon Surface Microgeometry and Free Chip Dimension

Abstract

A process called dynamic chip-breaking introduces a controlled low frequency vibration in the direction of the feed travel of a lathe tool. This superimposed vibration is given an amplitude such that continuous ductile chips are broken prematurely by the action of the tool. The dynamic chip-breaking process can be adjusted to give optimum values for the quality of the surface topography and free chip length. This exploratory study investigates the prospects of breaking chips from ductile materials by methods other than the conventional chip-curling type of breaker. Rational and empirical results are given which provide encouragement for additional development.