Initial considerations

​Analyze the dimensions and quality demands of the groove or face to be machined:

• Type of operation (external or internal adaptation, e.g. parting off, general grooving, turning, circlip grooving, face grooving, profiling or undercutting). Operation type affects the tool choice.
• Cutting depth.
• Cutting width.
• Corner radius.
• Quality demand (tolerance, surface finish).
• Wiper design insert to reach surface finish?

​After analyzing the feature, it’s time to look at the component:

• Does the material have good chip breaking qualities?
• Batch size – a single groove or mass production of grooves? Mass production justifies an optimized Tailor Made tool to maximize productivity.
• Can the component be fixed securely?
• Chip evacuation.

​Finally, a look at some important machine considerations:

• Stability, power and torque, especially for larger components.
• Cutting fluid and coolant.
• Is there any need for high pressure coolant for chip-breaking in long
  chipping materials?
• Tool changing times/number of tools in turret.
• RPM limitations, bar feed magazine.
• Sub-spindle, or tail stock available?
• Use all possible support.