The Correlation Between the Cutting Fluid Pressure Distribution and the Topography of Tool Wear in BTA Drilling

Abstract

This paper investigates experimentally the correlation between the cutting fluid pressure distribution in the bottom clearance (the space enclosed by the bottom of the hole being drilled from one side and the flanks of the drill head from the other) and the flank wear of BTA drills. Two types of BTA drills were studied representing two basic drill designs in the current use: single- and multi-edge drilling heads. Experiments included the study of the bottom clearance topology, the measurements of the cutting fluid pressure distribution in the bottom clearance, and the study of the tool wear topology. The results reveal the notable correlation between the cutting fluid pressure distribution in the bottom clearance and the topography of tool wear.