Single Point Cutting Tools Viva Questions and Answers

What is a single point cutting tool?

A single point cutting tool is a tool used in machining operations that has only one cutting edge or point.

What are the types of single point cutting tools?

The types of single point cutting tools are: turning tools, boring tools, parting tools, threading tools, and grooving tools.

What is the material used for making single point cutting tools?

The material used for making single point cutting tools is high-speed steel, carbide, ceramic, and diamond.

What is the purpose of rake angle in single point cutting tools?

The rake angle in single point cutting tools is used to control the cutting action and chip formation. A positive rake angle helps to reduce cutting forces, while a negative rake angle helps to improve tool life.

What is the difference between a right-hand and a left-hand cutting tool?

A right-hand cutting tool is used for machining from right to left, while a left-hand cutting tool is used for machining from left to right.

What is the difference between a turning tool and a boring tool?

A turning tool is used for removing material from the outside diameter of a workpiece, while a boring tool is used for removing material from the inside diameter of a workpiece.

What is the difference between a parting tool and a grooving tool?

A parting tool is used for cutting off a section of a workpiece, while a grooving tool is used for creating a groove or channel in a workpiece.

What is the difference between a straight-flute and a spiral-flute threading tool?

A straight-flute threading tool is used for cutting straight threads, while a spiral-flute threading tool is used for cutting tapered threads.

What is the difference between a roughing tool and a finishing tool?

A roughing tool is used for removing material quickly and efficiently, while a finishing tool is used for achieving a smooth surface finish and dimensional accuracy.

What is the importance of tool geometry in single point cutting tools?

Tool geometry plays a crucial role in determining the performance and efficiency of a cutting tool. It affects the cutting forces, chip formation, surface finish, and tool life.

What is the difference between a round-nose and a square-nose turning tool?

A round-nose turning tool has a rounded cutting edge and is used for roughing and finishing operations on curved surfaces, while a square-nose turning tool has a straight cutting edge and is used for roughing and finishing operations on flat surfaces.

What is the purpose of the relief angle in single point cutting tools?

The relief angle is the angle between the cutting edge and the surface behind it. It helps to prevent rubbing and improve chip evacuation, which in turn reduces cutting forces and heat generation.

What is the difference between a positive and a negative rake angle in single point cutting tools?

A positive rake angle means that the cutting edge is inclined towards the direction of cutting. This results in lower cutting forces and improved chip evacuation, but also reduces tool life. A negative rake angle means that the cutting edge is inclined away from the direction of cutting. This results in higher cutting forces and better tool life, but also generates more heat and requires more power.

What is the difference between a left-hand and a right-hand tool holder?

A left-hand tool holder is designed to hold a left-hand cutting tool, while a right-hand tool holder is designed to hold a right-hand cutting tool. This ensures that the cutting edge is oriented correctly for the direction of cutting.

What is the difference between a carbide and a ceramic cutting tool?

Carbide cutting tools are made of tungsten carbide and other metals and have high hardness and wear resistance, making them suitable for high-speed cutting of steels and other hard materials. Ceramic cutting tools are made of alumina, silicon nitride, or other ceramics and have high thermal shock resistance and chemical stability, making them suitable for high-temperature cutting of superalloys and other difficult-to-machine materials.

What is the difference between a parting tool and a cutoff tool?

A parting tool is used for cutting off a section of a workpiece, while a cutoff tool is used for separating a finished part from the remaining material. Cutoff tools are typically used in automated machining operations, while parting tools are used in manual or CNC machining.

What is the difference between a straight-flute and a helical-flute boring tool?

A straight-flute boring tool has straight flutes and is used for enlarging or smoothing the inside diameter of a hole, while a helical-flute boring tool has helical flutes and is used for roughing or finishing operations on harder materials or irregular surfaces.

What is the importance of the nose radius in single point cutting tools?

The nose radius is the curvature at the tip of the cutting edge. It affects the surface finish and cutting forces, with larger nose radii resulting in smoother finishes and lower forces. However, larger nose radii also reduce the sharpness of the cutting edge and increase the risk of chipping or wear. The optimal nose radius depends on the specific machining conditions and material being cut.

What is the difference between a threading tool and a tap?

A threading tool is used to cut external or internal threads on a workpiece, while a tap is used to cut internal threads in a hole. Threading tools are typically used in CNC or manual machining operations, while taps are typically used in manual tapping operations.

What is the difference between a HSS and a carbide threading tool?

A HSS threading tool is made of high-speed steel and is suitable for cutting softer materials, while a carbide threading tool is made of carbide and is suitable for cutting harder materials or higher production rates. Carbide threading tools also typically have higher wear resistance and longer tool life

What is the difference between a finishing tool and a roughing tool?

A finishing tool is used for final cuts to achieve the desired surface finish and accuracy, while a roughing tool is used for removing larger amounts of material quickly in the early stages of machining.

What is the difference between a chamfering tool and a deburring tool?

A chamfering tool is used to cut a beveled edge on a workpiece, while a deburring tool is used to remove burrs or sharp edges left on the workpiece after machining.

What is the purpose of the chip breaker in a single point cutting tool?

The chip breaker is a groove or notch in the cutting edge that helps to break up chips into smaller, more manageable pieces. This reduces the risk of chip clogging and tool breakage, and also helps to improve surface finish and accuracy.

What is the difference between a diamond tool and a cubic boron nitride (CBN) tool?

A diamond tool is made of diamond particles embedded in a metal or resin matrix and is suitable for cutting non-ferrous materials like aluminum, copper, and plastics. A CBN tool is made of cubic boron nitride particles and is suitable for cutting ferrous materials like steel and cast iron. CBN tools have higher hardness and wear resistance than diamond tools, but are also more expensive.

What is the difference between a straight tool and a bent tool?

A straight tool has a straight shank and is used for straight-line cutting operations, while a bent tool has a curved shank and is used for cutting operations that require access to difficult-to-reach areas or for cutting curved surfaces.

What is the difference between a live center and a dead center?

A live center is a rotating center that supports the workpiece during machining and is driven by the spindle of the machine tool. A dead center is a stationary center that does not rotate and is used for supporting the workpiece during non-rotary machining operations like drilling or tapping.

What is the difference between a single-point tool and a multi-point tool?

A single-point tool has a single cutting edge that is used for machining operations like turning, facing, or boring. A multi-point tool has multiple cutting edges that are used for operations like milling or drilling.

What is the difference between a carbide insert and a brazed carbide tool?

A carbide insert is a replaceable cutting tip that is held in place by a holder or clamping system, while a brazed carbide tool is a one-piece tool made by brazing a carbide insert onto a steel shank. Carbide inserts offer greater flexibility and cost savings, while brazed carbide tools offer greater rigidity and stability.

What is the difference between a square insert and a triangular insert?

A square insert has four cutting edges and is used for general purpose machining, while a triangular insert has three cutting edges and is used for more specialized operations like threading or grooving.

What is the difference between a positive and a negative insert geometry?

A positive insert geometry has a chip breaker that directs the chips away from the cutting edge, resulting in lower cutting forces and improved surface finish. A negative insert geometry has a chip breaker that directs the chips towards the cutting edge, resulting in higher cutting forces and improved chip evacuation. The choice of insert geometry depends on the specific machining conditions and material being cut.

What is the difference between a right-handed tool and a left-handed tool?

A right-handed tool has a cutting edge that rotates clockwise when viewed from the operator's perspective, while a left-handed tool has a cutting edge that rotates counterclockwise. The choice of right-handed or left-handed tool depends on the direction of the lathe spindle rotation and the desired cutting direction.

What is the difference between a high-speed steel (HSS) tool and a tungsten carbide tool?

An HSS tool is made of a high-speed steel alloy and is suitable for cutting softer materials like aluminum, brass, and mild steel. A tungsten carbide tool is made of a hard, wear-resistant carbide material and is suitable for cutting harder materials like stainless steel, titanium, and hardened steel. Tungsten carbide tools offer greater hardness and wear resistance than HSS tools but are also more brittle.

What is the difference between a boring tool and a threading tool?

A boring tool is used to enlarge an existing hole or bore to a specific diameter, while a threading tool is used to cut threads into a workpiece. Boring tools typically have a single cutting edge, while threading tools have multiple cutting edges to create the threaded profile.

What is the difference between a radius tool and a form tool?

A radius tool is used to cut a rounded edge or corner on a workpiece, while a form tool is used to create a specific shape or profile on the workpiece. Form tools can be custom-designed for specific parts or shapes and can have multiple cutting edges.

What is the difference between a grooving tool and a parting tool?

A grooving tool is used to cut a groove or channel into a workpiece, while a parting tool is used to cut off a section of the workpiece to create a separate part. Parting tools typically have a thin cutting edge to reduce the amount of material waste.

What is the difference between a fly cutter and a face mill?

A fly cutter is a single-point cutting tool that is used for facing or surface milling operations on a lathe or milling machine. A face mill is a multi-point cutting tool that is used for milling large flat surfaces on a milling machine. Face mills have multiple cutting edges and can remove more material in a single pass than a fly cutter.

What is the difference between a diamond-coated tool and a diamond-tipped tool?

A diamond-coated tool has a thin layer of diamond coating applied to the cutting edge or surface of the tool, while a diamond-tipped tool has a small diamond insert brazed or bonded onto the tool. Diamond-coated tools are less expensive than diamond-tipped tools but have lower wear resistance and may not be suitable for cutting harder materials.

What is the difference between a roughing insert and a finishing insert?

A roughing insert is designed for high material removal rates and is typically used for roughing operations, while a finishing insert is designed for improved surface finish and dimensional accuracy and is used for finishing operations. Roughing inserts have larger chip breakers and coarser surface finishes, while finishing inserts have smaller chip breakers and smoother surface finishes.

What is the difference between a round nose tool and a square nose tool?

A round nose tool has a rounded cutting edge and is used for contouring or profiling operations on curved surfaces, while a square nose tool has a square cutting edge and is used for facing or slotting operations on flat surfaces. Round nose tools are also useful for creating fillets or chamfers on workpieces.

What is the difference between a positive rake angle and a negative rake angle?

A positive rake angle means that the cutting edge of the tool is angled upwards in relation to the workpiece, which results in a sharper edge and a lower cutting force. A negative rake angle means that the cutting edge of the tool is angled downwards in relation to the workpiece, which results in a stronger edge and a higher cutting force.

What is the difference between a carbide insert and a ceramic insert?

A carbide insert is made from a hard, wear-resistant carbide material and is suitable for cutting a wide range of materials, including steel, aluminum, and cast iron. A ceramic insert is made from a ceramic material and is suitable for cutting high-temperature alloys and other hard-to-machine materials. Ceramic inserts offer greater hardness and wear resistance than carbide inserts but are also more brittle.

What is the difference between a step tool and a chamfer tool?

A step tool is used to create a stepped profile on a workpiece, while a chamfer tool is used to create a beveled edge or corner on a workpiece. Chamfer tools can have a variety of angles, while step tools have a specific step height.

What is the difference between a lathe tool and a milling tool?

A lathe tool is used for cutting and shaping round workpieces on a lathe machine, while a milling tool is used for cutting and shaping flat or irregular workpieces on a milling machine. Lathe tools have a single cutting edge and are typically used for turning, facing, and drilling operations, while milling tools have multiple cutting edges and are used for milling, drilling, and tapping operations.

What is the difference between a straight shank and a tapered shank tool?

A straight shank tool has a cylindrical shank that is the same diameter throughout its length, while a tapered shank tool has a shank that tapers down in diameter from the cutting end to the tool holder end. Tapered shank tools provide greater stability and rigidity than straight shank tools and are commonly used in heavy-duty cutting operations.

What is the difference between a coolant-fed tool and a non-coolant-fed tool?

A coolant-fed tool has a channel or hole in the center of the tool that allows coolant to flow directly onto the cutting edge, which helps to reduce heat buildup and prolong tool life. A non-coolant-fed tool does not have this feature and relies on external coolant spray or flood coolant to cool the workpiece and the cutting tool.

What is the difference between a roughing end mill and a finishing end mill?

A roughing end mill is designed for high material removal rates and is typically used for roughing operations, while a finishing end mill is designed for improved surface finish and dimensional accuracy and is used for finishing operations. Roughing end mills have larger teeth and fewer flutes, while finishing end mills have smaller teeth and more flutes.

What is the difference between a tipped tool and a solid tool?

A tipped tool has a small cutting insert that is brazed or bonded onto the end of a shank or holder, while a solid tool is made entirely from a single piece of material, such as carbide or high-speed steel. Tipped tools are less expensive than solid tools and allow for greater customization and flexibility, but may have lower wear resistance and stability.

What is the difference between a diamond-coated tool and a PCD tool?

A diamond-coated tool has a layer of diamond particles applied to the cutting edge of the tool, which provides excellent wear resistance and can be used for a variety of materials. A PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tool, on the other hand, is made from a solid block of diamond material and is extremely wear-resistant, making it ideal for cutting abrasive materials like composites and ceramics.

What is the difference between a high-speed steel tool and a carbide tool?

A high-speed steel tool is made from a high-strength steel alloy and is suitable for cutting a wide range of materials, including aluminum, brass, and mild steel. A carbide tool, on the other hand, is made from a hard, wear-resistant carbide material and is suitable for cutting harder materials like stainless steel and titanium. Carbide tools are generally more expensive than high-speed steel tools but offer longer tool life and better performance in tough cutting applications.

What is the difference between a threading tool and a boring tool?

A threading tool is used to cut threads on the inside or outside of a workpiece, while a boring tool is used to enlarge an existing hole or create a new one. Threading tools have a pointed end and a specific shape for cutting threads, while boring tools have a cylindrical or conical shape and are used to remove material from the inside of a workpiece.