# Application of 3D Imaging for Analyzing the Chip Groove Shapes of Cutting Inserts
## 1 Introduction
The problems related to the shape of chip retractors and chip breakers found in cutting tools are the most frequently examined by researchers in relation to the methods of control and simulation of the chip-forming or chip-breaking process, as well as the design of chip breakers [24]. Controlling the process of chip formation and chip form is particularly relevant to the processing of bloody materials of difficult-to-cut materials. In [25; 26], the authors present an analysis of the effectiveness of using a special chip-breaker design when machining the Inconel 718 alloy. Another area related to the design of chip-breaker structures is the use of computer simulation. In [27], an analysis of the influence of chip-breaker parameters on the radius of curvature of the chip winding is presented. Chip forces and chip-breaking processes were analyzed using a PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tool with a chip breaker. Additionally, the influence of various aspects of chip-breaker geometry on cutting force, chip shape, and bending moment using finite element and experimental methods is presented in [28]. The machining process of AISI 1045 steel was analyzed using tungsten carbide inserts with different chip-breaker geometries. Another example of research that involved finite element design is presented in [9]. This analysis was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of different chip-breaker designs under milling conditions of Al A356 aluminum alloy. The shape of the chip breaker was produced with laser ablation. In the literature on cutting difficult-to-cut materials, one can find papers in which the physical phenomena occurring in the cutting zone were analyzed in turning and milling processes [29]. Cutting forces, cutting-edge wear processes, and processes affecting the quality of the machined surface have mainly been analyzed. In this context, the form of chips and their morphology have also been analyzed. For example, the authors of [30; 31] investigated the use of tools made of superhard materials and tool coatings. Many works also focus on methods for achieving high productivity and cutting efficiency [32; 33; 34], as well as on ways to predict the values characterizing the cutting processes of difficult-to-cut materials [35]. The analysis of the literature has shown that there are insufficient descriptions of the test results for the use of 3D measurements of the rake surface with a shaped chip groove. Similarly, cutting tool manufacturers do not provide users with sufficient information on the shapes of chip breakers or chip retractors. For this reason, an attempt was made to analyze the use of 3D imaging to determine changes in chip groove shape and profile as a function of cutting data. A novelty in the development of results using 3D imaging was adoption of methods typically used for the mapping and modeling of the terrain surface for machining applications. The influence of the depth of cut and the major cutting-edge angle, which determines the position of the insert in relation to the workpiece, was taken into account. The results of experimental research verifying the conclusions developed with the use of 3D imaging are also presented.