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Turning lathe is a type of versatile machine to complete a variety of operations on workpieces, to produce different details and change the dimensions, here we’ll introduce what is grooving operation in lathe, how to choose and set up the grooving tool, difference between groove and slot, and how to groove on CNC lathe.

Grooving is a type of specific turning option that cut grooves or forms a narrow cavity of a certain depth on external, internal surfaces, cylinder, cone, or a face of the part (face grooving or trepanning). Grooving is a machining process performed on CNC lathes, the shape of grooves or the majority of grooves will be related to the cutting tool shape. There are three typical types of groove: OD grooves, ID grooves and face grooves, which affects the use of the grooving tool.

Grooving tool usually is a carbide insert mounted in a tool holder, can be used to cut external or internal grooves, and many other machining operations. There are multiple designs of grooving inserts, like a single tip or several tips for different configurations. Grooving tools with more tips can reduce costs and improve productivity. For specific groove types, OD (outer diameter) grooving works best when the tool tip held below the center line slightly. The ID (inner diameter) grooving get optimal performance when the tool top above the center line. In face grooving, the tool needs to be held slightly above center line and move in an axial direction, the clearance radius on the tool must match the radius being cut.

1. Generally, a groove is blind while slot may be through.

2. Grooving is often worked with round parts, while slot machined on rectangular plates.

3. Groove usually in cylindrical cutout, slot tends to be a flat and narrow hole with straight edges.

4. Slot is stretched in one direction and usually has complete radius on both ends with round or non-round edges, slot often cut into a flat plate or to the axis of a cylinder, grooves are cut around the OD or ID of a cylinder and do not pass through the axis of the cylinder, could have curves.

What are milling inserts?

Milling is the manufacturing of metal products using inserts to remove material from a workpiece. The variety of shapes and sizes determines the cutting or removal of these materials from the object. This is why the quality of inserts are as important to the machinery as well as the workpiece.

Most beautifully finished metal products that are available for everyday use or production have been smoothed or finished by a metal milling insert. Milling inserts are replaceable bits that are used to machine tough some of the toughest materials. Some of the materials that they shape or cut are steel, stainless steel, cast iron, non-ferrous materials, Titanium, hardened steel, and plastic.

These inserts are generally made of carbide, which allows them to be durable at extremely high temperatures and during high-speed applications for tasks such as drilling, hole making, finishing, etc.

Once limited to basic shapes, optimizations by manufacturers now allow for a wide variety of milling insert geometric styles that are referred to as elliptical, frustum and helical. Each shape is specific in size, figure, and tolerance determined by the temperatures, elements, and manufacturing task that are required of it.

Some features that will be important to consider when purchasing inserts are:

• Shape

• Teeth, which actually cuts the material

• Flutes, which are the grooves between the teeth

• Coating, which impacts the cutting process and tool life

What are the benefits of inserts?

There is a monumental amount of force placed on a milling insert while it’s at work. This use of an insert will:

Ensure safe and precise machining

Provide high metal removal rates in challenging conditions

Increase tool life

Provide reliable performance in dry and wet machining