TABLE OF CONTENTS Part-off, sometimes called a cutoff, is a machining operation typical to lathe work, usually using a barfeeder attachment. During a part-off, the cutting tool (or part-off tool) separates the completed part from the bar stock. The completed part will fall off the bar, usually into a special bin to protect it from damage.
Programming procedure for a part-off tool path is very similar to the grooving procedure. In fact, part-off is an extension of grooving. The purpose of part-off is somewhat different, because the objective is to separate the completed part from the stock material, rather than create a groove of certain width, depth and quality. The material bar stock is usually a long round rod that is 8, 10, 12 or more feet long.
Two most important considerations in part-off are the same as those for standard grooving. One is the chip control, the other is coolant application.
Part-off uses a special cutting tool. Such a tool used for part-off is called a parting tool or a part-off tool. Sometimes the term cutoff is used for this kind of a tool, as well as the machining method; it has the same meaning as the term part-off. The part-off tool is similar in design to a grooving tool, with one major difference. The length of the cutting blade is much longer than that of a grooving tool, making it suitable for deep grooves. A typical example of a part-off tool...
