On the design and development of a new BTA tool to increase productivity and workpiece accuracy in deep hole machining

This paper presents the design and method of development of a new three-pad BTA tool. The advantages of this cutting tool over a conventional two-pad BTA tool are brought out using a probabilistic approach in both the static and dynamic case. Experiments were conducted with the new three-pad tool, and it confirmed the theoretical prediction that the three-pad tool is more stable than the conventional BTA tool. Also, the cause of grooves observed on the workpiece produced by the two-pad tool has been explained. Further, it is observed that the third pad stiffens the tool thereby improving the chip breaking effect which improves the quality of the holes produced at high feeds. Thus this new development increases the productivity and improves workpiece accuracy in deep hole machining.