LRW Cutting Tools, Inc. is now offering Engineered Micro-Geometry (EMG).

EMG is the ability to apply and precisely distribute the edge prep on the cutting edge of a tool as a function of the thickness of the uncut chip. This means the tool is edge prepped, not in a conventional and uniform manner, but rather in one that is unique to how the tool is going to be applied to the work piece material in the given operation.  This type of controlled edge geometry is the key to optimizing the performance of any tool, resulting in maximum tool life, superior surface finish and flatness, and minimization if not elimination of burr formation.

The tool edge preparation process, when administered properly, adds strength to the tool cutting edge, lengthens usable tool life, minimizes the propensity of the edge to chip, improves part quality and consistency, and enhances work piece surface finish.

With EMG, the edge prep size is distributed along the cutting edge maintaining a specific ratio of uncut chip thickness-to-edge prep size. For example, on an indexible insert or cartridge type tool the edge prep is blended around the nose radius of the tool with the change in the size of the edge prep mirroring the rate of change in the thickness of the uncut chip (as the uncut chip thickness decreases, the edge prep size is decreased).

A tool that has the EMG edge prep cuts "cleaner" and "freer".  The tool will cut more efficiently because the varying edge prep size is not allowing cut material to be trapped between the tool and work piece.  The controlled distribution of the edge prep size around the nose radius of the tool minimizes unwanted tool rubbing.  Tool pressure and cutting forces will decrease, subsequently so will tool and work piece temperatures. These are some of the benefits of EMG, ones that are applicable to nearly every cutting tool operation and application.  This same technology can be applied to drills, end mills, reamers and any other form of cutting tool.