Edge Radius of Cutting Tool vs Nose Radius of Cutting Tool: Difference and Comparison

Key Takeaways

1. Edge radius on cutting edge, nose radius on tool nose
2. Small edge radius better finish, large radius stronger edge
3. Nose radius affects contact area, heat generation and forces

What is Edge Radius of Cutting Tool?

The edge radius of a cutting tool is defined as the spherical curvature present at the intersection of the rake face and the tool’s flank. The purpose of the edge radius of a cutting tool is to reduce the possibility of fracturing or chipping and also help to bolster the cutting edge. The edge radius of a cutting tool is primarily used in roughing operations.

The cutting tool’s edge radius has a long life and helps limit chipping and wear. This tool is commonly used in milling and inserts cutters. It alongside helps in reducing the possibility of chipping with the tool edge.

What is Nose Radius of Cutting Tool?

The nose radius of a cutting tool is defined as the spherical curvature present at the cutting edge of the tool from where the cutting action takes place. A cutting tool’s nose radius is to help reduce the forces while cutting, improve the surface finish, and control the chip formation. The nose radius of a cutting tool is used mainly for finishing operations, leading to enhanced smooth finishes.

It affects the tool life with small radii, which has more probability of wearing. These tools can be commonly found in single-point cutting tools like boring or turning tools. The nose radius increases the risks of chipping.  

Difference Between Edge Radius of Cutting Tool and Nose Radius of Cutting Tool

1. The edge radius of a cutting tool is defined as the spherical curvature present at the intersection of the rake face and the tool’s flank. On the other hand, the nose radius of a cutting tool is defined as the spherical curvature present at the cutting edge of the tool from where the cutting action takes place.
2. The purpose of the edge radius of a cutting tool is to reduce the possibility of fracturing or chipping and also help to bolster the cutting edge. At the same time, the purpose of a cutting tool’s nose radius is to help reduce the forces while cutting, improve the surface finish, and control the chip formation.
3. The size of the edge radius of a cutting tool is large. While on the other hand, the size of the nose radius of a cutting tool is small.
4. The influence of the edge radius of the cutting tool on cutting forces is quite limited. In contrast, on the other hand, the influence of the nose radius on cutting forces is very significant as, because of its small size, it helps reduce the forces.
5. The influence of the edge radius of the cutting tool on surface finish is limited and minor. On the contrary side, the influence of the nose radius on the surface finish is significant. Because of the nose radius’s small size, it helps provide an improved surface finish.
6. The edge radius of a cutting tool is primarily used in roughing operations. And at the same time, the nose radius of a cutting tool is used mainly for finishing operations, leading to improved smooth finishes.
7. The material removal rate of the edge radius of a cutting tool is higher, and this is because of the large size of the edge radius. On the contrary, the material removal rate of the nose radius of a cutting tool is low. 

Comparison Between Edge Radius of Cutting Tool and Nose Radius of Cutting Tool

Parameter of Comparison	Edge Radius of Cutting Tool	Nose Radius of Cutting Tool
Definition	It is defined as the spherical curvature present at the intersection of the rake face and the tool’s flank.	It is defined as the spherical curvature present at the tool’s cutting edge from where the cutting action takes place.
Purpose	It reduces the possibility of fracturing or chipping and also helps to bolster the cutting edge.	It helps in reducing the forces while cutting, improving the surface finish, and controlling the chip formation.
Geometry	Large	Small
Influence on Cutting Forces	Limited effect	Significant effect
Influence on Surface Finish	Less effect	Significant effect
Cutting Application	In roughing operations	In finishing operations
Material Removal Rate	High because of its large size	Low to medium
Tool Life	More	less
Chipping	Reduces the effect	Increases the risk
Types of Tools	Milling and inserts cutters	In single-point cutting tools such as – boring or turning tools

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0143816612001479
2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1243/pime_proc_1995_209_087_02

Last Updated : 03 September, 2023