Purpose of Forming Tools

A form tool is described as a cutting tool comprising one or more cutting edges with well defined profile or contour which is reproduced as the desired form on the workpiece surface. Form tools used for turning applications are classified as per to the type of cross section. The classification is displayed in the tree diagram.

Figure: Classification of Form Tool

Flat or blocked tools are further classified as per to the setting of tool with respect to the workpiece, that is radial-fed tools and tangential-fed tools. Further, form tools are as well classified with respect to orientation of tools with respect to the workpiece axis.