What happens to a tool when tool wear occurs?

When tool wear occurs, the cutting edge of the tool degrades. This degradation can manifest as loss of sharpness, formation of wear flats, or chipping of the cutting edge. As the tool wears down, its ability to cut effectively diminishes, leading to reduced precision and efficiency in the machining process. The integrity of the tool's edge is crucial for maintaining consistent cutting performance, and as wear progresses, the quality of the finished workpiece can also suffer. Understanding this degradation helps in selecting appropriate tool materials and managing tool life during machining operations.