A chipbreaker or chip breaker is a contour just behind the cutting part of a cutting tool that directs away any chips that are generated. Metal chips are hot,[1] sharp,[2] and can spin at high speeds, especially if they get caught in machinery. Breaking up the chips into smaller pieces is an important safety feature since long chips that get caught in people and machinery can lead to serious workplace accidents. It can also damage tools, workpieces and machinery, and make removal of the finished product more difficult.
Chips can be particularly challenging with ductile materials.[3] Many geometries can be used depending on the given cutting conditions.[4] For example, a high-positive rake angle will help to make shorter chips.[5]
On many ceramic cutting tools, the chipbreaker is sandwiched between the cutting plate and the clamping jaw, as this eliminates the need for a wide variety of special cutting plates.
On roughing cutters or milled files, the cutting edge is given a profile with chipbreakers to break the chips. On handplaners, there is usually also a chipbreaker to reduce tear-out.[6][7]
References
- ^ "Spon - Produksjon og tjenester (TP-TIP vg1) - NDLA" (in Norwegian).
- ^ "Risikomomenter - Produksjon og tjenester (TP-TIP vg1) - NDLA" (in Norwegian).
- ^ "On the Mechanism of Chip Breaking August 1979, Journal of Engineering for Industry 101(3):241 DOI:10.1115/1.3439503".
- ^ Nakayama, Kazuo (1962). "A Study on Chip-breaker". Bulletin of JSME. 5 (17): 142–150. doi:10.1299/jsme1958.5.142.
- ^ "Tips & Tricks - Ground Chip-breakers vs. Molded Chip-breakers - BIG DAISHOWA Präzisionswerkzeuge | BIG DAISHOWA | BIG DAISHOWA". www.bigdaishowa.eu. Retrieved 2025-02-23.
- ^ "Chipbreaker: Theory & Use". Popular Woodworking. 2023-08-15. Retrieved 2025-02-23.
- ^ "Chipbreakers: The No. 6 Way to Reduce Tear-out - Lost Art Press". 2007-12-31. Retrieved 2025-02-23.