What is the effect of hot hardness on cutting tools during machining?

Hot hardness refers to the ability of a material, particularly metals, to maintain its hardness and strength at elevated temperatures. This characteristic is crucial for cutting tools, which experience significant thermal stresses and friction during machining processes.

When a cutting tool has high hot hardness, it can withstand the high temperatures generated by the cutting action without losing its hardness and shape. This quality prevents thermal deformation, which means the tool will maintain its intended geometry and efficacy in cutting operations. This stability is important because thermal deformation can lead to inaccuracies in machining and affect the surface finish of the workpiece.

While it might seem that hot hardness could somehow lead to increased wear or influence cutting speeds, the primary effect is its ability to resist heat-induced deformation. Thus, the correct understanding of hot hardness directly relates to its role in maintaining tool integrity during high-temperature machining environments.