New method for determination of the pose of the grinding wheel for thinning drill points

Traditionally, twist drills are reconditioned by thinning the web so the correct chisel edge length is restored. Recently, thinning has been included in the original design of drills so as to reduce torque and tool force. Because the International Standards Organization (ISO) has a system which can comprehensively model conventional twist drills but cannot model thinning specifications, this paper presents a system for precise mathematical modeling and CNC control of a 6-axis grinding workstation for drill thinning. The presented method determines the position and orientation of the grinding wheel based on the evaluated rake and clearance angles of ISO standards for 2-flute twist drills. The mathematical model and background are discussed. For verification and demonstration, two experimental drills are produced to the identical ISO standard except that one is thinned. The modeling herein is of value to industry and research if incorporated into computer software for drill design and manufacture. It is suitable for linear notch-type cutting with controlled variable rake angle along the secondary cutting edge for purposes of thinning, notching, dubbing and advanced drill research. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.