Cutter and Collet Usage
Handling Cutters
• Cutters are extremely sharp. Extreme care must be observed when handling cutters
to prevent injury. The use of gloves is recommended.
• Always store cutters in their cases when not in use
• Always wear protective eye wear when handling cutters.
• Do not drop cutters as this can cause micro fractures leading to unexpected
breakage once in use.
Inspecting Cutters
• Before using a cutter inspect it for any sign of damage or wear.
• Cutters that show chipping on the edge must not be used.
• Cutters with scored, bruised or marked shanks must not be used.
Determining Cutter Life
The life expectancy of any cutter is directly affected by the following factors;
RPM
Cutters running at too high an RPM will wear prematurely due to excessive heat and friction.
Typically this can by observed by very fine chips, squealing whilst cutting, burring along the
top of the cutting edge, “loading” of material in the cutter flutes (especially in non ferrous
materials) or burning on the cutting edge, especially in corners.
Running a cutter at too low an RPM will result in breakage.
Feed Rate
Cutters running at too low an feed rate will wear prematurely due to excessive heat and
friction. Typically this can by observed by very fine chips, squealing whilst cutting, burring
along the top of the cutting edge, “loading” of material in the cutter flutes (especially in non
ferrous materials) or burning on the cutting edge, especially in corners.
Running a cutter at too high a feed rate will result in poor edge finish and cutter breakage
Vibration
Excessive vibration during the cutting process will affect cutter life and edge finish. Steps
should be taken to ensure that the workpiece is as rigid as possible. This will include keeping
cutter length to a minimum, using as large a cutter diameter as possible, ensuring adequate
work holding. In some cases, especially when machining extrusions, vibration will be difficult
to control.
Collets
Worn or dirty collets will mean that the cutter is not being held securely thus resulting in
vibration and breakage. Ensure collets are clean and replaced at the end of their duty cycle.
Please refer to page 18 for further information on collet maintenance.
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