One of the basic ingredients needed in those industries that rely on the performance of specific cutting tools is known as edge preparation.  Therefore, developing a basic understanding of cutting tool edge preparation is a requirement for those companies involved in these industries.  The proper maintenance (i.e. honing and sharpening) of cutting tools means that a company's employees will remain productive.  They will also be profitable as the repair and replacement of cutting tools is dramatically reduced.

Evaluating the Need for Cutting Tool Edge Preparation

When it is done properly, cutting tool edge preparation adds edge strength, improves tool quality, increases the tool's lifespan, and minimizes the risk of chipped or cracked edges.  There are a number of edge prep options that are available so it is important to know which one best facilitates the tools used in your business.  The radius and waterfall honing shapes are the most widely used options in the industry today.

Based on the tool's application and its size, there can be a number of options available.  In addition to this, cutting tool edge preparation is not limited to indexable style tooling and similar applications.  It is most commonly required for certain tool categories including "brazed on", multiple or single-edged, round hard metal, and any other tools requiring regular edge maintenance (i.e. honing and sharpening).

Original Intent and Purpose.

In the beginning, cutting tool edge preparation was instituted primarily for the removal of rough tool edges that typically results from the powder metallurgical process involved in the manufacturing of certain equipment and machine parts.  More recently, honing is now a prerequisite for certain tool coating methods and techniques.  Although the industry has seen some significant improvements with the technology involved in cutting tool manufacturing, the removal and smoothing of cutting tool edges is still a priority.  With the development of carbide tools over the past couple of decades, edge honing has become more important.

Edge honing and sharpening has always been viewed as an art and at one time, there were numerous tool manufacturers invented their own cutting tool edge prep processes.  Since these processes were considered to be trade secrets, those manufacturers guarded them as closely as possible.  As a result, edge honing and sharpening has become a competitive advantage for those companies who have in-house systems in place to perform those services.  Thanks to this innovative process, the life and performance of tools has been greatly enhanced throughout these different industries.