Adnan's research strengthens Seco Tools' expertise in cutting tools

It is a well-known in the manufacturing industry that the cutting tools are often subjected to impact loads, large cutting forces and extensive vibrations in intermittent machining. Sudden breakages and chipping of cutting edges and workpieces occur mostly during the entry and exit phase of the cutting process. These types of damages can cause very costly production stops.

– I have focused on the entry phase and investigated how to optimize the process to make it safe and reliable. There are many parameters that interact, but above all it is cutting edge geometry and cutting parameters that have a significant impact on the result, explains Adnan, industrial PhD candidate at Seco Tools during last five years.

– In parallel, I have also studied the design of cutting tools and what is important to consider in the design work.

Important research area

Developing new skills in this area is of great interest to Seco Tools. The company is one of the world’s largest suppliers of tools for milling, turning, hole machining and tool systems. With higher expertise, Seco Tools can develop smarter tools that save time and money for their customers.

Adnan has researched a variety of applications such as face milling, end milling, intermittent turning and more. The studies are about how cutting forces and vibrations can be used to optimize cutting tool design and process parameters. In his research he has chosen to work primarily with experimental measurements, modelling and theoretical analysis of collected data.

New insights and general guidelines

– The measurements have produced large amounts of data that formed the basis for the investigations. Based on this, the outcomes of the analytical work and modelling have given new insights and methods for discovering critical moments in the process and, above all, how to ensure that the problems are avoided. In addition, I have used modeling to better understand the cutting process and to expand the possibilities for process optimization.

Adnan's conclusions provide important insights and general guidelines on how to improve cutting tools, how to optimize the cutting process and what parameters are relevant.

– This is valuable knowledge for us who develop cutting tools. In addition to being able to produce better products, we can also develop a smarter methodology for our product development. We also might benefit from the research results when we develop new business concepts.

Tie practice and theory together

During his 17 years at Seco Tools, Adnan has worked as a designer, development engineer, project manager and R&D specialist in milling. Taking the step into the research world was a challenge for him in several ways.

– Of course, it has been a great advantage to have worked with product development at the company, for example, I am well versed in the practical problems that exist in the area.

– But to do research is different and puts additional demands on the work. It took me a while to get into the academic way of thinking. It has been a while since I got my university degree in Zagreb. At the same time, it was very inspiring to combine the practical knowledge with the theoretical parts.

Spreading knowledge within the company

– I have learned a great deal during these five years, and I believe that my working group has done that as well. As an industrial PhD candidate, I have mostly worked in the company, which is why I have been able to share my conclusions with colleagues.

Adnan looks forward to working with product development as an R&D specialist.

– There is an incredible potential to improve our cutting tools. Now we have built up new skills to help us move forward.

Read Adnan Agic's thesis "Edge Geometry Effects on Entry Phase by Forces and Vibrations"

Contact Information:

Email: adnan.agic@secotools.com

Tel: 0705-84 70 90