Chip control: What is the primary purpose of a chip breaker on a cutting tool?

Introduction / Context:
Long, stringy chips from ductile materials can entangle the tool or workpiece, damage the surface, and pose safety hazards. Chip breakers are a routine feature of inserts and ground tools to manage chip flow.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ductile work material tending to form continuous chips.
• Typical grooved or formed chip breaker geometry on the rake face.
• Normal cutting speeds/feeds.

Concept / Approach:
Chip breakers induce controlled bending and strain in the emerging chip, causing it to curl tightly and fracture into short segments. This improves evacuation, reduces scratching of the finished surface, and prevents chip snarls.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Observing chip shape with and without chip breaker quickly confirms the effect; machine interiors stay clearer with segmented chips.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Increase tool life directly: any life improvement is indirect via better chip control and lower rubbing—chip breaker's main role is not life extension.
• Remove chips from bed: that is the job of conveyors/coolant flow; breakers only create short chips.
• Minimise heat generation: geometry mainly affects chip control; heat depends on cutting parameters and tool-work chemistry.

Common Pitfalls:
Using insufficient feed so the chip does not engage the breaker; chip breakers require appropriate feed to function properly.

Final Answer:
Break the chips into short segments