Chipbreaker
File:Wendeschneidplatte1.jpg, the chipbreaker is clearly visible as a contour directly behind the cutting edge]]
File:BroachPushChipBreakers-CN.jpg acts as chipbreakers]]
A chipbreaker or chip breaker is a contour just behind the cutting part of a cutting tool that directs away any chips that are generated. Metal chips are hot,{{Cite web |title=Spon - Produksjon og tjenester (TP-TIP vg1) - NDLA |url=https://ndla.no/r/produksjon-og-tjenester-tp-tip-vg1/spon/c71f58c2f4 |language=no}} sharp,{{Cite web |title=Risikomomenter - Produksjon og tjenester (TP-TIP vg1) - NDLA |url=https://ndla.no/r/produksjon-og-tjenester-tp-tip-vg1/risikomomenter/ca64f70f23 |language=no}} and can spin at high speeds, especially if they get caught in machinery. Breaking up the chips into smaller pieces is an important safety feature since long chips that get caught in people and machinery can lead to serious workplace accidents. It can also damage tools, workpieces and machinery, and make removal of the finished product more difficult.
Chips can be particularly challenging with ductile materials.{{Cite web |title=On the Mechanism of Chip Breaking August 1979, Journal of Engineering for Industry 101(3):241 DOI:10.1115/1.3439503 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275424363_On_the_Mechanism_of_Chip_Breaking}} Many geometries can be used depending on the given cutting conditions.{{Cite journal |last=Nakayama |first=Kazuo |date=1962 |title=A Study on Chip-breaker |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jsme1958/5/17/5_17_142/_article |journal=Bulletin of JSME |volume=5 |issue=17 |pages=142–150 |doi=10.1299/jsme1958.5.142}} For example, a high-positive rake angle will help to make shorter chips.{{Cite web |title=Tips & Tricks - Ground Chip-breakers vs. Molded Chip-breakers - BIG DAISHOWA Präzisionswerkzeuge {{!}} BIG DAISHOWA {{!}} BIG DAISHOWA |url=https://www.bigdaishowa.eu/en/news/detail/?news_id=13952 |access-date=2025-02-23 |website=www.bigdaishowa.eu}}
On many ceramic cutting tools, the chipbreaker is sandwiched between the cutting plate and the clamping jaw, as this eliminates the need for a wide variety of special cutting plates.
On roughing cutters or milled files, the cutting edge is given a profile with chipbreakers to break the chips. On handplaners, there is usually also a chipbreaker to reduce tear-out.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-15 |title=Chipbreaker: Theory & Use |url=https://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/chipbreaker-theory-use/ |access-date=2025-02-23 |website=Popular Woodworking |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2007-12-31 |title=Chipbreakers: The No. 6 Way to Reduce Tear-out - Lost Art Press |url=https://blog.lostartpress.com/2007/12/31/chipbreakers-the-no-6-way-to-reduce-tear-out/ |access-date=2025-02-23 |language=en-US}}