In metal cutting, which chip type does not segment and is formed from ductile metal?

The continuous chip is characterized by its formation from ductile metals, where it does not segment or break during the cutting process. This type of chip is typically smooth and uniform in structure, resulting from a consistent and steady cutting action, which is often associated with a well-maintained cutting tool and appropriate cutting conditions (such as speed and feed rate).

This chip type is prevalent when machining metals that exhibit excellent ductility, as they can deform plastically without fracturing. The continuous chip’s consistency can lead to enhanced surface finish on the workpiece and improved operational efficiency because there are fewer interruptions in the cutting process.

In contrast, other chip types such as the discontinuous chip tend to break into smaller segments during the cutting process, which is often a characteristic of brittle materials or unsuitable cutting conditions. Serrated chips exhibit a segmented structure with alternating hard and soft areas, which is not the case in continuous chips. Built-up edge chips consist of material adhering to the cutting tool, which can lead to inconsistent chip shapes and variable cutting performance.

Overall, the continuous chip's formation mechanism and its relationship with ductile metals distinguish it clearly from the other chip types in the context of metal cutting.