'Spirograph' Generates Face Grooves on a Machining Center

摘要

Using a lathe to machine a groove into the face of a turned part requires different toolholders for different groove diameters. That fact is second nature to many shops, but it is a curiosity to shops that don't do this grooving. The reason different groove diameters need different tooling becomes obvious upon seeing the operation: The blade of the toolholder has to descend with the cutting insert into the groove as it is machined. Since the blade has to fit without touching either the inner or outer wall of the groove, it needs a curvature to match. This is why machining grooves through face turning presents the problem of additional tooling inventory for every different increment of groove size. And arguably, that is the least of the challenges with this operation.