Grooving
Cutting channels or recesses into the workpiece. Used for O-ring seats, retaining ring grooves, and decorative features.
Process Steps
1. Groove Layout
Mark groove location and verify dimensions against specifications.
2. Tool Selection
Choose appropriate grooving tool width and confirm proper mounting.
3. Initial Plunge
Begin groove with careful plunge cut to establish width.
4. Progressive Deepening
Make multiple passes to achieve required depth, clearing chips between cuts.
5. Final Sizing
Check dimensions and make final passes for size and finish.
Material-Specific Guidelines
Mild Steel
- • Good groove quality with proper speeds/feeds
- • Chip control critical in narrow grooves
- • Coolant flow important for chip evacuation
Recommended Speeds: 60-80 SFPM for HSS tools, 150-200 SFPM for carbide
Tooling Notes: Use tool width slightly under final groove width
Stainless Steel
- • Work hardening in groove corners
- • Lower speeds essential
- • Side clearance critical
Recommended Speeds: 40-60 SFPM for HSS tools, 100-150 SFPM for carbide
Tooling Notes: Sharp tools with positive rake recommended
Brass/Bronze
- • Excellent grooving characteristics
- • Higher speeds possible
- • Minimal coolant needed
Recommended Speeds: 90-120 SFPM for HSS tools, 250-300 SFPM for carbide
Tooling Notes: Zero or negative rake tools work well
Quality Control Specifications
Groove Width
Method: Groove gauge or pin gauges
Tolerance: ±0.002" typical
Frequency: Every groove
Groove Depth
Method: Depth micrometer or groove gauge
Tolerance: ±0.001" typical
Frequency: First piece and periodic
Surface Finish
Method: Visual and tactile inspection
Tolerance: 63-125 microinch typical
Frequency: Every groove
Corner Radius
Method: Radius gauge check
Tolerance: ±0.005" typical
Frequency: Setup and periodic
Operation Difficulty
Intermediate
Safety Guidelines
- • Ensure grooving tool is exactly at center height
- • Use appropriate speeds to prevent tool deflection
- • Keep groove width to depth ratio reasonable
- • Clear chips frequently to prevent binding
- • Monitor tool wear carefully
Required Tooling
Grooving Tools
Various widths of grooving tools for different groove specifications
Groove Gauges
For checking groove width and depth
Depth Micrometer
For precise measurement of groove depth
Internal Grooving Tools
Specialized tools for internal groove operations
Troubleshooting Guide
Tool Deflection
Reduce depth of cut, ensure minimum tool overhang, use more rigid tool holder
Poor Surface Finish
Check cutting speed, increase feed rate slightly, verify tool is sharp
Incorrect Groove Width
Verify tool width matches specification, check for tool wear
Uneven Groove Depth
Use dial indicator to verify cross slide movement, check for backlash
Chip Binding
Increase cutting fluid flow, implement peck grooving technique
Pro Tips & Tricks
Plunge Strategy
Use peck grooving for deep grooves. Withdraw completely to clear chips every 0.050-0.100" depth.
Best for: All grooves deeper than 1.5× width
Tool Selection
Choose tool width 0.002-0.005" under final groove width to allow for finishing passes.
Best for: Precision groove requirements
Corner Treatment
Break sharp corners with slight chamfer to prevent stress concentration.
Best for: O-ring grooves and structural applications
Internal Grooving
Start with larger bore diameter for tool clearance. Consider special-ground tools for deep grooves.
Best for: Internal groove operations