This glossary contains the main technical terms related to the world of tool sharpeners.
We’ve collected and explained the fundamental concepts to help you better understand the features of our machines, the technologies used, and the sharpening processes.
You’ll also find our reference sharpener, associated with each specific term.
Whether you’re an expert technician or a new user, this tool is designed to make the language of precision mechanics clearer and more accessible.
MAC20 and MAC26 4-Axis CNC Universal Tool Sharpener
Computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool with four axes of motion, used for sharpening a wide range of cutting tools, including drills, milling cutters, taps, reamers, countersinks, and single-edge gravers.
Reference machine: MAC20 and MAC26 4-axis CNC universal tool grinder
5-axis CNC tool sharpener model META
CNC tool grinder with five axes of motion, featuring a cast iron base and column for stability and precision. It is designed to reproduce complex geometries on modern tools.
Reference machine: META 5-axis CNC tool grinder
MICRA 10 INTEGRAL semi-automatic sharpeners
Sharpening machines that perform some stages of the sharpening process automatically, while others require operator intervention. They are specifically designed for sharpening right- and left-hand twist drills with diameters ranging from 0.5 to 20 mm.
MICRA 10 INTEGRAL semi-automatic sharpeners
APE 40 UP semi-automatic sharpeners
Semi-automatic sharpeners designed for sharpening right- and left-hand twist drills and taps, with a variable number of cutting edges from 1 to 12.
Reference machine: APE 40 UP semi-automatic sharpeners
Spindle
Mechanical device used to lock and rotate a tool during machining or sharpening operations.
Reference machine: Present in all sharpening machines (MAC20, MAC26, META, MICRA 10 Integral, and APE 40 UP)
Grinder
A rotating abrasive tool used to sharpen tool edges. Grinding wheels can be made of various materials, such as CBN (cubic boron nitride) or diamond, depending on the tool material being sharpened and the specific processing requirements.
Reference machine: Included in all sharpening machines (MAC20 MAC26, META, MICRA 10 Integral, APE 40 UP)
Tool
A cutting tool used to remove material from a workpiece. Common examples include drills, milling cutters, taps, reamers, countersinks, and gravers.
Reference machine: Tools are sharpened by all sharpening machines (MAC20, MAC26, META, MICRA 10 Integral, APE 40 UP).
Plane sharpening
Sharpening method in which the sharpened surface of the tool is flat.
Reference machine: Can be performed on various machines depending on the tool, such as MAC20, MAC26, and META.
Thinning of the core
Sharpening operation that aims to reduce the thickness of the central part (core) of a twist drill bit, in order to improve its penetration and cutting ability.
Reference machine: MICRA 10 Integral and APE 40 UP
Sharp
The sharp edge of a tool that cuts the material.
Reference machine: The cutting edge is sharpened by all sharpening machines (MAC20, MAC26, META, MICRA 10 Integral, APE 40 UP).
Cutting angle
The angle formed by the tool’s cutting edge relative to the workpiece surface. This angle influences the efficiency and quality of the cut.
Reference machine: The cutting angle is set and achieved by all sharpening machines (MAC20, MAC26, META, MICRA 10 Integral, APE 40 UP).
Bevel
Chamfer: A small, slanted or rounded surface created on the cutting edge of a tool to increase its strength and durability.
Reference machine: The chamfer can be produced by all sharpening machines (MAC20, MAC26, META, MICRA 10 Integral, APE 40 UP).
Tool program
Tool program: A set of instructions that define the specific sharpening parameters for a given tool type. These parameters may include grinding wheel rotation speed, tool feed rate, sharpening angles, etc.
Reference machine: Mainly used in CNC machines (MAC20, MAC26, and META)
Electronic tester
Measuring device used to precisely detect the position of the tool to be sharpened, facilitating automatic positioning and alignment.
Reference machine: Present in some machines for more precise positioning, such as the META model CNC sharpener.
CNC (Computerized Numerical Control)
An automated control system that uses a computer to manage and coordinate the movements of a machine tool, ensuring precision and repeatability in machining or sharpening operations.
Reference machine: MAC20, MAC26, and META
