B2

Parting & Grooving

Parting and grooving is a category of turning. It has a
wide range of machining applications requiring dedicated
tools.
These tools can be used, to some extent, for general
turning.

Theory

B4

Selection procedure

B7

System overview

B 11

Parting & grooving how to apply

B 15

Troubleshooting

B 36

B3

Turning

Parting and
grooving

Parting & grooving theory

Parting off
Chip evacuation is essential
Chip evacuation is a critical factor in parting operations.
There is little opportunity to break chips in the confined
space as the tool moves deeper. The cutting edge is
designed largely to form the chip so it can be evacuated
smoothly. Consequences of poor chip evacuation are chip
obstruction which leads to poor surface quality and chip
jamming, leading to tool breakdown.

Threading

Theory

Chip evacuation is a critical factor in

parting operations.

Milling

Chip breaking is difcult in the conned

slots created as tools cut deep into the
workpiece.
Typical chips are clock-spring shaped,
narrower than the groove.

Drilling

The insert geometry shrinks the chip

width.

Parting off definition of terms

Boring

n
n = spindle speed (rpm)

vc = cutting speed (m/min)

Tool holding

fnx = radial cutting feed (mm/r)

ar = depth of groove (mm)
(outer dia. to centre or bottom
of groove)

Machinability
Other information

B4

Theory

Turning

Cutting speed value

Feed rate reduction is often advantageous for performance
when machining towards the centre to minimize the pressure
on the cutting edge.

Parting and
grooving

Cutting speed declines to zero at the

centre.

Threading

Milling

100 0% of vc

Feed reduction towards centre

Drilling

To reduce pip size, the feed should be reduced by up to

75% when approaching the centre, around 2 mm before
the part comes off.

Reduce feed by 75% when approaching

the centre, around 2 mm before the part
comes off.

Boring

Feed reduction reduces pip size.

Tool holding

Feed reduction reduces vibration and

increases tool life.

B5

Machinability
Other information

Theory

Turning

Grooving definition of terms

Parting and
grooving

The tool movement in direction X and Z is called feed rate

(fn), or fnx/fnz [mm/r]. When feeding towards centre (fnx),
the rpm will increase until it reaches the rpm limit of the
machine spindle. When this limitation is passed, the cutting speed (vc) will decrease until it reaches 0 m/min at
the component centre.

n = spindle speed (rpm)

n
Threading

vc = cutting speed (m/min)

fnz = axial cutting feed (mm/r)
fnx = radial cutting feed (mm/r)
ar = depth of groove (mm)
(outer dia. to centre or bottom
of groove)

Milling

ap = depth of cut in turning

Drilling

Face grooving definition of terms

Boring

The feed has a great influence on chip formation, chip

breaking, and thickness, and also influences how chips
form in the insert geometry. In sideways turning or proling (fnz), the depth of the cut (ap) will also influence chip
formation.

n = spindle speed (rpm)

vc = cutting speed (m/min)

Tool holding

fnx = radial cutting feed (mm/r)

ar = depth of groove (mm)

H
Machinability
Other information

fnz = axial cutting feed (mm/r)

B6

Selection procedure

Turning

Tool selection procedure

Production planning process

Parting and
grooving

Dimension and quality

of the groove or face

C
Component

Workpiece material,
chip evacuation

Threading

Milling

Machine parameters
Machine

Choice of tool

Drilling

Type of tool:
- Spring-clamp
- Screw-clamp
- Insert type

How to apply

Boring

Cutting data, method,

cutting fluid, etc

Troubleshooting

Remedies and
solutions

B7

Machinability
Other information

Tool holding

Selection procedure

Turning

1. Component and the workpiece material

Parameters to be considered

Component

Parting and
grooving

A
 nalyse the dimensions and quality
demands of the groove or face to be
machined.

Threading

T ype of operation: parting, grooving

Cutting depth
Cutting width
Corner radius

Milling

P M K
N S H

 achinability
M
Clamping
Chip breaking
Hardness
Alloy elements

Drilling

Material

2. Machine parameters
Condition of the machine

Boring

S
 tability, power and torque especially for
larger diameters
Component clamping
Tool changing times/number of tools in
turret
Chip evacuation
Cutting fluid and coolant

Tool holding

Machinability
Other information

B8

Selection procedure

Turning

3. Choice of tools
Multiple grooving
M
 ultiple grooving is the best method for
rough grooving when the depth is bigger
than the width.
M
 ake a "fork". This will improve chip flow
and increase tool life.

B
Parting and
grooving

Example of different machining methods

C
Threading

Good chip control.

Drilling

P
 lunge turning is the best choice when
machining steel and stainless steel and
when the width of the groove is larger
than the depth.

Milling

Plunge turning

R
 amping avoids vibration and minimizes
radial forces.

Boring

R
 ound inserts are the strongest inserts
available.

Double the number of cuts/passes.

Tool holding

Ramping

F irst choice in heat resistant super alloys

(HRSA) . Reduces notch wear.

B9

Machinability
Other information

Selection procedure

Turning

4. How to apply
Important application considerations
Centre height is important, 0.1 mm.

B
Parting and
grooving

R
 educe feed by up to 75% around 2 mm
before centre.
Use shortest possible overhang, ar mm.
Max 0.1 mm

L argest height dimension on blade for

bending stiffness.

Threading

Use coolant to improve chip flow.

Milling

ar

Some areas to consider

Insert wear and tool life
Check the wear pattern and if necessary
adjust cutting data accordingly.

Drilling

5. Troubleshooting

To improve chip formation & tool wear

Use recommended chip former.
Use neutral front angle.
Check centre height.
Use cutting Fluid.

Boring

General recommendation parting off

Neutral inserts (insert without front
angle).
To save material, use smallest possible
insert width.
Largest possible tool holder.
Shortest possible overhang, ar.

Tool holding

Machinability
Other information

B 10

System overview

Turning

System overview

External parting and grooving

4. Shallow to deep grooving

2. Turning and recessing

5. Face grooving

3. Undercutting

6. Profiling

B
Parting and
grooving

1. Parting-off solid bars and tubes

C
Threading

Milling

Drilling

Internal grooving

1. Grooving and pre-parting

Boring

2. Face grooving
3. Profiling

B 11

H
Machinability
Other information

Tool holding

System overview

Turning

Different systems
Insert type

B
Parting and
grooving

Application

Threading

CoroCut2

CoroCut1

CoroCut3

Q-Cut
151.2

Medium

Deep

Shallow

Deep

Q-Cut
151.3

U-Lock
154.0

Parting
(Cut off)

Grooving
Internal,
small dia.
Face grooving

Milling

Turning

Profiling

Drilling

Undercutting

Circlip grooving

Boring

First choice

Tool holding

Medium parting 40 mm
Second
choice

H
Machinability
Other information

Deep parting 112 mm

B 12

Shallow parting 12 mm

System overview

Turning

Internal parting and grooving

Different systems

25

12

10

C
Threading

4.2

Parting and
grooving

Internal grooving min hole diameter

4.2

10

12

25

Min. hole
diameter, mm

Milling

Drilling

Face grooving min/max first cut diameter

F
12

23

34
Boring

6.2

12 30 mm

23 70 mm

34 mm

First cut
diameter, mm

B 13

Machinability
Other information

6.2 18 mm

Tool holding

Turning

System overview

Inserts
Overview

B
Parting and
grooving

Application

Threading

Milling

Machining condition

Parting
(Cut off)

Grooving

Turning

Finishing

CF

GF

TF

Medium

CM

GM

TM

Roughing

CR

Profiling

RM

RO

Drilling

Optimizer

Sharp

Boring

ER treated

Tool holding

Machinability
Other information

B 14

RS

CS
GE

RE

Profiling

AM

Turning

Parting and grooving how to apply

Parting & grooving general and how to apply

B 16

Parting off and how to apply

B 22

General grooving and how to apply

B 25

Threading

Parting and
grooving

Parting & grooving

and how to apply

Circlip grooving and how to apply

B 27

Face grooving and how to apply

B 28

Profiling and how to apply

B 31

Turning and how to apply

B 33

Undercutting and how to apply

B 35

Milling

Drilling

Boring

Tool holding

B 15

Machinability
Other information

Parting and grooving how to apply

Turning

Tool overhang & workpiece deflection

Parting and
grooving

The tool overhang should always be minimized for

improved stability. In parting and grooving operations
consideration must be given to the depth of cut and the
width of the groove, which means that stability must often
be compromised to meet the demands of accessibility.

Threading

C
Best stability
O
 verhang (ar) should be as small as
possible.

largest seat size should be used.

Milling

ar = 8 x la max

Drilling

Internal machining
Shank type:

Dampened steel bars 5 x dmm

Steel bars 3 x dmm

Carbide bars 5 x dmm

Boring

C
 arbide reinforced dampened bars, up
to 7 x dmm.

Tool holding

G
Inserts:
Use smallest possible width
Use light cutting geometries.

Machinability
Other information

B 16

Parting and grooving how to apply

Turning

Tool holder selection parameters

System considerations

B
Parting and
grooving

Deep parting 112 mm

Medium parting 40 mm
Shallow parting 12 mm

Threading

Deep parting

Medium parting

Shallow parting

F irst choice are springclamp blades with single

edge inserts.

F irst choice for medium

parting are screw-clamp
holders with 2-edge
inserts.

 se the 3-edge insert

U
for economic parting in
mass production.

Milling

Drilling

General tool holder considerations

Tool block with spring-clamp tool blade for
tool overhang adjustment.

Boring

Shortest possible overhang, ar mm

Maximum tool holder shank
Largest height dimension

Tool holding

B 17

Machinability
Other information

ar

Maximum blade width

Parting and grooving how to apply

Turning

Spring-clamp design blades

Features/Benefits
Quicker insert change

Cut off larger diameter

Parting and
grooving

Adjustability
Deep grooving
Double ended

Threading

Radial feed only

Screw-clamp design holders

Features/Benefits

Milling

Smaller diameters
Shallow grooving

Increased rigidity

Radial & axial feed

Drilling

Single ended

Screw-clamp design holders

Boring

Features/Benefits
E
 xtremely small insert widths
- grooving down to 0.5 mm
- parting down to 1 mm.

G
Tool holding

Cutting depths up to 6 mm.

One holder for all insert widths.
Very tight insert indexing tolerance.

Machinability
Other information

The productivity choice, 3 cutting edges.

B 18

Parting and grooving how to apply

Overhang should not exceed 8 x la (width

of insert).

Use as narrow an insert as possible:

- To save material
- Minimise cutting force
- Minimise environmental pollution.

Parting and
grooving

Max ar = 8 x la
(width of insert)

Turning

Parting-off bars

Threading

Milling

Material savings

Drilling

Use maximum deviation of 0.1 mm from

centre line.
Too high cutting edge
Clearance will decrease.
Cutting edge will rub (break).

Tool holding

Too low cutting edge

Tool will leave material in centre (PIP).

B 19

Machinability
Other information

Max 0.1 mm

Boring

Positioning of the tool

Parting and grooving how to apply

Turning

Positioning of the tool

90 mounting of tool holder
P
 erpendicular surface
Reduce vibrations

Parting and
grooving

Hand of insert

Threading

Hand of insert

Milling

Three types of insert with different entering

angles:
- Right hand (R)
- Neutral (N)
- Left hand (L)

Right hand (R)

Insert geometry

Drilling

Neutral entering angle

laa
r = 0

Increases strength
Higher feed/productivity
Better surface finish
Straighter cut
Pip stays on part falling off.

Boring

Tool holding

Small/large corner radius

r

Machinability
Other information

B 20

Small corner radius

Smaller PIP
Better chip control
Lower feed rate
Large corner radius
Increased feed rate
Longer tool life

Parting and grooving how to apply

Turning

Recommendations for boring bar solutions

EasyFix sleeves

B
Parting and
grooving

Use EasyFix clamping sleeves for

accurate machining with less
vibration and precise height.

Threading

Milling

Recommended overhang
dmm

Drilling

Carbide reinforced
dampened bars

l <7 x dmm

dmm
Dampened steel bars

Boring

Carbide bars

l 5 x dmm

G
Tool holding

dmm
Solid steel bars

l 3 x dmm
B 21

Machinability
Other information

Parting off how to apply

Pip reduction by using different front angles

Choose left or right hand front angle to

control the pip or burr.

Parting and
grooving

Turning

Parting off

When the front angle is:

- increased, the pip/burr is decreased
- decreased, the chip control and tool life
is improved.

Centrifugal force will always through

away parted off component
- Tool will leave material in centre (PIP).

Threading

R
L

Milling

Drilling

Example of front angles on

1-, 2- and 3-edge inserts:
5, 10, 8, 12, 15, 20

Note!
A front-angled insert will give reduced
chip control due to the direction of the
chip ow. (A neutral insert directs the chip
straight out of the groove).

Tool selection - Review

Boring

Tool holding

Machinability
Other information

B 22

General recommendations:

Consider:

- Neutral inserts
- Smallest possible
insert width
- Largest possible
tool holder.

Cutting depth
Insert width
Front angle
Corner radius.

Parting off how to apply

Turning

Parting-off tubes

Use insert with the smallest possible

width (la) to save material, minimise cutting
force and environmental impact.

B
Parting and
grooving

Parting-off tubes

Parting-off thin walled tubes

Milling

Make sure that the lowest possible cutting

forces are generated. Use inserts with the
smallest possible width and sharpest cutting edges.

Threading

C
 entre height is important, 0.1 mm.
If sub spindle is used,
pull away the component
approx. 1 mm before
centre.
R
 educe feed by up to
75% approx. 2 mm
before centre also for
tube parting.

G
Tool holding

0.25 x fn

Boring

Max 0.1 mm

Drilling

Practical hints

fn
B 23

Machinability
Other information

Parting off how to apply

Turning

Use cutting fluid

Parting and
grooving

Cutting fluid has an important function since the space

often is restricted and obstructed by the chips. It is
therefore important that coolant always is used in large
amounts and directed at the cutting edge throughout the
whole operation.

Use large amounts.

Direct at the cutting edge.

Threading

Use coolant adaptor.

Has positive effect on chip formation.
Prevents chip jamming.

Milling

Drilling

Boring

Example of external coolant supply in

addition to internal coolant channels.

Tool holding

Machinability
Other information

B 24

Grooving how to apply

Turning

General grooving
S
 ingle cut grooving is the most
economic and productive method to
produce grooves.

A
 screw-clamp tool holder should be
selected for grooving operations.

C
Threading

If the depth of the groove is bigger than

the width, multiple grooving is the best
method for rough grooving.

Parting and
grooving

Milling

Single cut grooving

Drilling

E
 conomic and productive method to
produce grooves.

W
 iper inserts give extremely high quality
surface on the side of the groove.

Boring

F inishing geometry has width tolerance

of 0.02 mm and works well in low
feeds.

Tool holding

B 25

Machinability
Other information

Grooving how to apply

Turning

Multiple grooving
T he best method for rough grooving
when depth is bigger than width.

B
Parting and
grooving

U
 se the insert width to produce full
grooves and then remove the rings.

Threading

Milling

Practical hints
When producing high quality grooves, there is often a
need for chamfered corners.

E
O
 ne way is to use the corners on the insert, for example, of a finishing grooving
insert, to chamfer, see illustration A.

A
 better way to make grooves with
chamfer in mass production, is to order
a Tailor Made insert with the exact
chamfer form, see illustration B.

Drilling

Boring

Tool holding

Machinability
Other information

B 26

Circlip grooving how to apply

C
 irclip grooving can be performed with
three-edge inserts or two-edge grooving
inserts.
F or internal grooving there is also a wide
choice of inserts and boring bars.

B
Parting and
grooving

Circlips on shafts and axle components

are very common.

Turning

Circlip grooving

Threading

Systems to choose from

3-edge inserts

2-edge inserts

D
F or best economy, use 3-edge inserts in
widths 1.15 - 4.15 mm.
Milling

O
 r 2-edge inserts in widths
1.85 - 5.15 mm.

 in hole diameter for carbide rod inserts

M
is 4.2 mm and circlip widths
are 0.78 - 1.98 mm.

internal

Internal/external

Milling is an alternative for non-rotating

components

T he circlip widths for diameter

39 80 mm cutters are
1.10 - 5.15 mm.
Cutter diameter
9.7 21.7 mm

G
Tool holding

T he circlip widths for diameter

9.7 21.7 mm cutters are
0.70 - 5.15 mm.

Boring

Internal inserts are available for min.

hole diameter 10 mm and with circlip
widths 0.731.70 mm.

Cutter diameter
39 80 mm

B 27

Machinability
Other information

Carbide rod inserts

Drilling

E
internal inserts

Face grooving how to apply

Turning

Face grooving
Making grooves axially on the faces on a
component requires tools dedicated to the
application.

B
Parting and
grooving

T he correct curve on the tool is dependent on the radius of the workpiece.

T he inner and outer diameter of the
groove needs to be taken into account,
in order to select the tool.

Threading

Milling

Tools for face grooving

Drilling

Boring

C
 urved tool for face
grooving, shank 0 style.

Tool holding

Machinability
Other information

B 28

Curved tool for face

grooving, shank 90
style.

E
 xchangable cutting
blades make it possible
to make special tool from
standard tools.

Face grooving how to apply

T ool must be adapted to

the bending radius of the
groove.
M
 achine largest diameter
and work inwards for
best chip control.

B
Parting and
grooving

T ool is fed axially towards

the end surface of the
part.

Turning

Choice of R and L tools depending on rotation

C
Threading

Left hand (L) tool

Milling

Right hand (R) tool

Choice of A and B curve, right or left hand tool

Drilling

Choose the correct tool A or B curve, right or left hand

style - depending on machine set-up and workpiece rotation.
www.tool-builder.com

Boring

Tool holding

B 29

Machinability
Other information

Face grooving how to apply

Turning

First cut consederation

1 If the insert support rubs workpiece
inside dia:
- maybe the dia. range is wrong
- tool is not parallel to axis
- check centre height
- lower the tool below centre line.

Parting and
grooving

1
2

2 If the insert support rubs workpiece

Threading

outside dia:
- maybe the dia. range is wrong
- tool is not parallel to axis
- check centre height
- lift the tool above centre line.

Milling

Roughing

Finishing

Drilling

Roughing and finishing

2
3

Boring

Tool holding

Machinability
Other information

First cut (1) always starts

on the largest diameter
and works inwards. The
first cut offers chip control
but less chip breaking.
Cuts two (2) and
three (3) should be
0.50.8 x width of the insert. Chip breaking will now
be acceptable and the feed
can be increased slightly.

B 30

Machine the first cut (1) within the given

diameter range.
Cuts two (2) finishes the diameter. Always start outside
and turn inwards.
Finally, cut three (3) finishes the inner diameter to the
correct dimensions.

Profiling how to apply

Turning

Profiling
When machining components with complex
shapes, profiling inserts offer great opportunities for rationalisation.

B
Parting and
grooving

M
 odern parting and grooving tool systems can also perform turning.
 screw-clamp tool holder should be
A
selected for turning and profiling
operationd in view of achieving maximum
stablility.

C
Threading

A
 neutral tool holder is suitable for both
opening up or completing a recess.
T he round shape inserts have dedicated
geometries for these operations.

Milling

Drilling

Boring

Ramping

U
 se round inserts for outstanding chip control and good
surface finish.
In unstable set-ups, use ramping to avoid vibrations.

Tool holding

B 31

Machinability
Other information

Turning how to apply

Turning

Profile turning
Insert radius < component radius

Recommended

L arge area of insert creates high cutting pressure so

feed should be reduced.

Parting and
grooving

If possible, use an insert radius that is smaller than the

component radius.
If you must have the same insert radius as the component radius, use micro stops to make the chip short
and avoid vibrations.

Threading

Insert radius component radius is not

recommended

Milling

Drilling

fn1 = parallel cuts max. chip thickness 0.150.40 mm.

fn2 = radius plunging 50% max. chip thickness.

Boring

Tool holding

Machinability
Other information

B 32

Turning how to apply

Turning

Turning
The most common applications for wide
grooves or turning between shoulders
are multiple grooving, plunge turning or
ramping. All three methods are roughing
operations and have to be followed by
a separate finishing operation. A rule of
thumb is that if the width of the groove is
smaller than the depth multiple grooving
should be used and vice versa for plunge
turning. However, for slender components,
the ramping method may be used.

Parting and
grooving

Threading

U
 se holders with smallest possible overhang, screw clamping and insert with rail
shape if possible.
U
 se a stable, modular tooling system if
possible.

Milling

Drilling

Reinforced blade will increase stability.

Roughing

Boring

Tool holding

G
1. Radially infeed to required depth + 0.2 mm (max 0.75 x insert width).
2. Retract radially 0.2 mm.
3. Turn axially to opposite shoulder position.

B 33

Machinability
Other information

4. Retract radially.

Turning how to apply

Turning

Finishing

Parting and
grooving

As the insert contours around the radius, most of the movement is in the Z direction. This produces an extremely thin
chip along the front cutting edge which can result in rubbing
and hence vibration.

Threading

T he axial and radial cutting depth should

be 0.51.0 mm.

Milling

Axial turning
Surface finish

Drilling

T his wiper effect generates high quality

surface finish.

Ra max

Boring

R
 a value below 0.5 m will be generated
with high bearing.

Tool holding

H
Machinability
Other information

Y
 ou get the best wiper effect when you
find the right combination between
feed (fn) and blade deflection.

B 34

Undercutting how to apply

Turning

Undercutting
T hese applications require dedicated inserts with round
cutting edges that are sharp and accurate.
The tolerance of these inserts is high: +/ 0.02 mm.

B
Parting and
grooving

When a clearance is needed.

Threading

Tools for undercutting

Angled 20

Angled 45
Milling

Angled
7 ,45 and 70

Drilling

Boring

H
 older for external undercutting. Insert with one
cutting edge.

G
Tool holding

H
 older for internal undercutting. Insert with two
cutting edges.

B 35

Machinability
Other information

H
 older for external undercutting. Insert with two
cutting edges.

Turning

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
Tool wear

Parting and
grooving

Problem

Flank wear

Plastic deformation

Crater wear

Chipping

Fracture

Built-up
edge

Threading

Solution
More positive
geometry

++

++

Milling

Tougher grade

Drilling

More wear
resistant grade

++

Increase cutting
speed

Boring

Decrease cutting speed

Tool holding

Reduce feed
rate

Choose stronger
geometry

+
++

++
+

++

Machinability
Other information

H
+ + = Best possible remedy
B 36

+ = Possible remedy

Troubleshooting

Solution
Turning

Problem

Bad surface
Check speed / feed
guidelines.
Use wiper geometry.
Check tool set-up.

B
Parting and
grooving

Use a short and stable

tool.
Take away the chips
use geometry with good
chip control.

Select a special soluble

oil for the material.

Milling

Select the sharpest

geometry.
Use geometry with good
chip control.

Bad chip breaking

Change geometry.
Select a higher feed.
Use dwelling (pecking).
Increase coolant.

Drilling

Threading

Bad surface on aluminium

Vibration
Check tool condition.
Check tool set-up.

Boring

Use a stable set-up.

Check speed / feed
guidelines.
Use shorter overhang.
Change geometry.

Check centre height.

Check angle between
tool and component.

Check condition of blade.

If blade is old, the insert
could be unstable in the
tip seat.

B 37

H
Machinability
Other information

Poor tool life

Tool holding