Optimum Geometric Design of the Edge Curves for Cutting Blades

This paper reports on an investigation of the effect of the curvature of the profile of rotary blades, scissors, and similar cutting instruments on the cutting process, and attempts to identify the optimal blade profile for particular mechanical requirements. Neglecting friction, the mechanics of cutting with rotary blades are reflected by a governing differential equation, which is derived from the geometry of the blade profile by following a method suggested by Freudenstein (Citation1990). The optimal edge curves of the cutting blades are obtained through the solution of this equation. It is demonstrated that desirable relationships between input force and output force can be achieved by adjusting the curvature of the blades. As examples, the solutions of optimal profiles of scissors and teeth of rotary blades requiring constant ratio between input and output force are presented.