Chip breaking

Illustration of Chip breaking

The way in which a chip breaks

The top of the cutting tool can be designed with a recess just behind the cutting edge, called chip breaker, which causes the chips to curve and self-break [1] or alternatively curves to collide with and break against the tool [2] or the workpiece [3]. The type of chip formation affects how easily the chips break.

Chip breaking is mainly taken into account for cutting methods in which the tool is in continuous engagement such as in turning.

Chip Formation
When the cutting edge meets the workpiece, the material is deformed by shearing which results in one of three types of chip formation.
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