Abstract: A new type of tool name as multi-tooth tool that can produce many pieces of long metal fibres simultaneously is developed. The whole cutting layer will be split into pieces of metal fibres as several tiny teeth of the multi-tooth tool are involved in cutting at the same time. This is called the chip-splitting action of the multi-tooth tool. Slim long metal fibre that has an equivalent diameter of below 100 mm, or even below 50 mm, can be manufactured high efficiently by the chip-splitting action of the multi-tooth tool. The cutting model of the multi-tooth tool is built, and its chip-splitting mechanism is also studied. Furthermore, the formula of number of teeth involved in cutting at the same time and theoretical equivalent diameter of fibres produced simultaneously are inferred.

Key words: Chip-splitting action, Multi-tooth tool, Slim long metal fibre