Metallographic Analysis of the Dead Metal Zone In Metal Cutting With a Rounded-Edge Tool

Abstract

The experimental results show that a small dead region is seen in front of the rake face during cutting with a rounded-edge cutting tool. Although this fact was accepted, metallographic analysis of the dead metal zone had never been conducted. A quick stop device was used to obtain chip root samples that are representative of the deformation taking place during dynamic (actual) cutting conditions. A metallographic analysis was performed on selected specimens to identify the microstructure and formation. The photomicrographs were analyzed and an effort made to explain the dead metal zone microstructure.