# Application of 3D Imaging for Analyzing the Chip Groove Shapes of Cutting Inserts
## 4 Conclusions  
Based on 3D imaging of the rake face shape and profiles for the two types of chip groove, the following conclusions can be drawn depending on the depth of cut and the major cutting-edge angle of the insert:  
* The measurements showed a different structure of the analyzed chip grooves. Inserts with an SGF breaker were mostly convex in design, while inserts with an SF breaker were concave. It was also been observed that the position of the SF breaker was parallel to the cutting edge and was characterized by a similar profile shape and high depth and volume. The maximum level difference between the bottom of the groove and the tip of the groove was about 400 \(\upmu\)m regardless of the angle at which the insert was clamped in the tool holder. With the SGF breaker, the surface shape of the chip groove was variable along the cutting edge, and the depth of the chip groove was approximately half the size (about 200 \(\upmu\)m) of the SF breaker. * The analysis of the results showed variability of the shape of the breaker profile as a function of the depth of cut. For a depth of cut \(a_{p}=0.1\) mm, in the case of both tested inserts, the shapes of the determined surface profiles were flattened, and the lengths of the determined profiles depended on the value of the major cutting-edge angle \(K\). The highest values of profile lengths were obtained for the angle \(K=90^{\circ}\). The shape of the chip-breaker profile changed the most for \(a_{p}>0.25\) mm. * The theoretical length of the chip contact with the rake face of the insert \(Lch\), significantly depends on the entering the major cutting-edge angle \(K\), as well as on the chip-breaker profile resulting from the given depth of cut. There may be areas where the chips are poorly retracted and can theoretically travel along the entire rake face. To  
Figure 10: Influence of the analyzed factors on the average values of the chip breakability index \(Ch\). improve the chip-curling process, the depth of cut should be increased, as this can fill the chip groove more accurately with the chip material and reduce chip-to-tool contact. A comparative analysis of the measurement results showed that for inserts with an SGF breaker, higher values of the chip-cutting edge contact area and chip groove volume were obtained than for inserts with an SF chip former (from about 1.5 to more than 3 times higher) regardless of the adopted major cutting-edge angle \(K\). The results obtained from the experimental verification research were consistent with the results of the theoretical analysis carried out with the use of 3D imaging. For the accepted conditions and ranges of cutting parameters, the analysis of the results of experimental tests showed that the form of chips and the average values of the chip-breaking coefficient \(C\)\(\alpha\) were most significantly influenced by the value of feed and depth of cut. For a feed of \(f\) = 0.1 mm/rev and a depth of cut \(a_{p}\) < 0.5 mm, a change in the form of the chips was observed from helical to ribbon. Furthermore, cutting tests showed that the major cutting-edge angle (\(K\) = 60\({}^{\circ}\)) supported the chip-formation process and led to a more favorable chip form. For the SF chip-former type application, this turned out to be more beneficial, as it more effectively supported the chip-curling process. Obtaining short chips, especially when machining difficult-to-cut materials, reduces manufacturing costs. Long chips that move in the direction of the rotating workpiece significantly increase the possibility of damage to the machined surface. The test results obtained for the accepted cutting conditions showed that controlling the form of the chip is possible by maximizing the feed rate and depth of cut. A practical recommendation for turning titanium alloy Ti6 Al4V is to reduce the major cutting-edge angle and to choose the SF chip former, which supports the chip-rolling process. This research received no external funding. Not applicable.