Chip Breakers: What They Are And How They're Used

Chip Breakers: What They Are and How They're Used

Chip breakers are used to create a controlled amount of chip formation and size when machining parts. They are metal pieces set into a cutting tool to reduce the amount of material that is cut away from the workpiece during machining. Chip breakers are an important tool for machinists, as they help to extend the life of the cutting tool and reduce operation costs.

What is Chip Breaking?

Chip breaking is the process of controlling the formation of chips when machining. Chips are the bits of material that are removed from the workpiece during machining operations. Without chip breaking, the chips that are created can be long and stringy and can cause problems such as jamming in the machine or damaging the workpiece. Chip breakers are used to create smaller, more manageable chips that are easier to remove from the machine and workpiece.

How Do Chip Breakers Work?

Chip breakers are metal pieces that are set into a cutting tool. When the cutting tool is in motion, the chip breaker will interact with the workpiece, creating a shearing force that breaks the chips into smaller pieces. The design of the chip breaker will determine the size of the chips that are created.

Types of Chip Breakers

There are a variety of chip breakers available, each with its own set of characteristics that can be tailored to the specific application. Here are some of the most common types of chip breakers:

• Rake-angle chip breakers – These chip breakers are designed with a specific rake angle that determines the amount of material that is removed from the workpiece.
• Staggered chip breakers – These chip breakers are designed with multiple cutting edges that are placed at an angle to the workpiece. This allows for smaller chips to be created, which are more easily removed from the machine.
• Hollow-ground chip breakers – These chip breakers are designed with a hollow ground that helps to create a more consistent chip size.

Benefits of Using Chip Breakers

Chip breakers can provide a number of benefits to machinists. Here are some of the most notable benefits of using chip breakers:

• Improved tool life – By reducing the amount of material that is cut away from the workpiece, chip breakers are able to extend the life of the cutting tool. This reduces the amount of money spent on tool replacement, saving time and money.
• Reduced machine wear – Chip breakers are able to reduce the amount of wear and tear on the machine, as the smaller chips created are easier to remove from the machine. This can help to reduce costly repairs and downtime.
• Better surface finish – The smaller chips created by chip breakers are easier to remove from the workpiece, resulting in a smoother surface finish.

Conclusion

Chip break