Prediction of tool life in machining with restricted contact tools

A semi-empirical method is described for predicting tool life in orthogonal machining with restricted contact tools. The method uses a well establishe d machining theory to predict cutting forces, tool-chip contact length and cutting temperatures for the corresponding plane face tool i.e. tool having the same cutting edge geometry but no restricted contact. These predicted parameters and a set of empirical relations are then used to calculate the cutting temperatures and tool life for the restricted contact tool. A compa rison has been made between predicted and experimental results obtained fro m the literature and from tests carried out by the authors.