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Single Point Cutting Tool vs Multi-Point Cutting Tool

January 23, 2022

The major difference between single and multi-point cutting tools is that single-point cutting tools have only one main cutting edge, whereas multi-point cutting tools have multiple cutting edges.

A cutting tool can have one or more main cutting edges. Based on cutting edge, cutting tools are classified into three main categories, single point, double point, and multi-point cutting tools.

What are Single Point and Multi-point Cutting Tool?

A single-point cutting tool is defined as a tool with only one main cutting edge similarly, double-point cutting tools have two cutting edges, and multi-point cutting tools have two or more main cutting edges.

The number of cutting edges in metal or hole cutting tools has a significant impact on several factors, including material removal rate (MRR), chip load, and tool cost.

In the machining process, A single-point cutting tool is used for cutting, shaping, boring, and planing because here a single cutting edge removes or cuts the whole material in one pass. Whereas, in a double point cutting tool, two cutting edges participate equally to remove material in one pass. As a result, the chip load reduces on both cutting edges.

A multi-point cutting tool has two to hundreds of cutting edges (for example, TCT blades used as wood cutting tools). Double or multi-point cutting tools are primarily used for drilling, milling, reaming, and knurlings applications.

Now, In the next step, we will discuss important similarities and differences between the single-point cutting tools and multi-point cutting tools.

Important Similarities Between Single Point and Multi-Point Cutting Tools

Both single-point and multi-point cutting tools are used for metal cutting and excess material removal. Multi-point cutters are often regarded as aluminum cutting tools.
Both are utilized in traditional machining processes. However, different machining method requires a different type of cutting tools.
Single point and multi-point cutters, both require sharp cutting edges. But, cutting-edge numbers are not similar.
For both types of metal cutting tools, geometry and material of workpiece are important factors.

Difference Between Single Point and Multi-point Cutting Tool

Following are the important differences in these cutting tools:

Single Point Cutting Tool	Multi-point Cutting Tool
These tools have only one main cutting edge.	These tools have two or more main cutting edges
The cutting process stops completely if a cutting edge gets damaged.	The cutting process does not stop if any single cutting edge gets damaged.
Cutting tool contacts workpiece with only one edge.	Cutting tool contacts workpiece with one or more edges.
These tools are used to perform shaping, boring, turning, and facing.	These tools perform drilling, milling, reaming, turning & more.
Single Point cutting tools are mainly utilized with a lathe, planer, shaper, or slotter machines.	Multi-Point cutting tools are utilized with the grinding, milling, or more such heavy machinery.
Fabrication and design are simple.	Fabrication and design are difficult.
For a single pass, the complete chip load is borne by a single cutting edge.	Here complete chip load is distributed equally in all cutting edges.
Provide a good surface finish with less accuracy.	Provide an excellent surface finish with high accuracy.
This tool can be made from the grinder machine.	Multi-point tools can not be made from only grinder machines.
Tools manufacturing and designing take less time	Tools manufacturing and designing takes more time
Single point cutting tools costs low.	Multi-point cutting tools cost high.
High cutting temperature.	Low cutting temperature.
Single point cutting tools have a short life span.	Multi-point cutting tools have a long life span.
Low material removal rate (MRR).	High material removal rate (MRR).
The single-point cutting tool wear rate is quite high.	The multi-point tool wear rate is comparatively low.
Examples of single-point cutting tools are- Boring tool Slotting tool Planing tool Shaping tool Fly milling Turning tool, etc.	Examples of multi-point cutting tools are- Grinding wheels Knurling tools Milling tools Hobs Broach Reamer, etc.

Cutting through metal is not an easy task unless you have the right tool. So, what are the right tools to cut metal? Read to know the best metal cutting tools.