Prediction of tool life for restricted contact and grooved tools based on equivalent feed

This paper begins with a review of the recently developed semi-empirical methods for predicting cutting forces and tool life in machining with restricted contact (RC) and grooved tools which have used Oxley’s machining theory as a basis. The paper then presents a new method for predicting the tool life (based on flank wear) for RC/grooved tools using an equivalent feed based on the cutting force for the RC/grooved and corresponding plane face tools. The required cutting force and tool temperature for the plane face tool are determined from Oxley’s theory. This new method has been applied for RC and grooved tools. A comparison between predicted and experimental results shows good agreement.