Metal Cutting

About the course

The Chalmers Centre for Metal Cutting Research (MCR), in partnership with Sandvik Coromant, offers this university-accredited professional course on machining and grinding technology. Engineers, process planners and machine operators take part in this training to gain basic knowledge in metal cutting. Course participants learn from Chalmers faculty and external experts who are leaders in their fields, from materials science to manufacturing engineering. The course combines lectures and laboratory exercises, and brings together the latest research findings with insights and case studies from industry.

The Metal-Cutting Course

gives the participant a practical, integrated, in-depth understanding of machining which can be utilized for enhancing and optimizing machining operations in industry. The attendee gains knowledge in the underlying mechanics in the cutting zone and insight into important areas of cutting technology such as machine tools, machinability and cutting-tool materials. Machining is discussed from the perspective of machining quality, costs and sustainability.

Module 1: Introduction

• Manufacturing value chains and the role of metal cutting
• Basic machining processes
• Geometry of metal cutting

Module 2: Fundamentals of metal cutting

• Chip formation and chip types
• Material deformation
• Tribology of metal cutting
• Mechanical and thermal aspects

Module 3: Machinability

• Machinability criteria and assessment
• Basic metallurgy of steels, cast iron, and Ti- and Ni-alloys
• Machinability of steels and cast iron
• Machinability of difficult-to-cut materials (e.g. superalloys)

Module 4:  Metalworking fluids

• Cooling & lubrication
• Types & delivery of metalworking fluids in machining
• Sustainability aspects
• High-pressure cooling, MQL, cryogenic machining

Module 5: Cutting-tool materials

• Classification of cutting tools
• Geometry of cutting tools
• Coated cemented carbides, cBN and PCD

Module 6: Machine tools

• Metal cutting machines and fixtures
• Static and dynamic stiffness
• Structural components & guideways
• Measurement and testing

Organization and schedule

The course contains six modules which are organized in two-week periods. Each module period begins with two half-days of lectures and then continues in a remote learning segment, during which the participants are divided into small groups to work on case-studies, assignments and accompanied learning tasks. Course instructors facilitate the group activities in an online learning management system.

The modules end with short reflection, feedback and a debriefing.

The course is organized in a fully online format.
Course completion is based on a series of practical online assignments. To be issued with university credits you will need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook made available to you as soon as you start the course.

For more information about the course get in touch with Peter Krajnik (examiner) or Gustav Holmqvist (Course manager).