DESIGN AND EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF A UNIVERSAL SHARPENING DEVICE FOR LATHE TOOLS AND CARBIDE INSERTS USED IN PROFILE TURNING OPERATIONS

ABSTRACT: The geometry of cutting tools significantly influences machining quality, dimensional accuracy and tool life. The manufacturing and reconditioning of cutting tools require the maintenance of the geometrical parameters established during the design stage. This paper presents the design, development and experimental validation of a universal sharpening device intended for lathe tools and indexable carbide inserts used in profile turning operations. The proposed solution enables accurate generation of thread-form profiles such as trapezoidal, worm, metric and Whitworth geometries by means of a simple mechanical adjustment system. The sharpening process is performed on a conventional RP250 grinding machine equipped with a diamond wheel. Experimental investigations demonstrated accurate profile generation, good repeatability and surface roughness values between Ra = 0.069 and 0.104 μm. The developed device represents an economical alternative to universal tool grinding machines and contributes to the recovery and reuse of worn carbide inserts.