Verktygslev

Verktygslev is a compound term that would be formed from verktyg (tool) and liv/lev (life) in Swedish. While not a widely standardized term in technical dictionaries, it is commonly interpreted in practice as referring to the life or lifespan of a cutting tool under specific working conditions. In many contexts the idea is expressed with the English term tool life or with a direct Swedish description of a tool’s service life.

In manufacturing and machining, verktygslev (tool life) describes how long a tool remains usable before its performance falls below an acceptable level. This life is influenced by many factors and is a key parameter for planning tool changes, maintenance, production schedules, and cost control. Tool life is typically expressed in terms of time, length of material cut, or the number of parts produced before replacement is required.

Several factors affect verktygslev. The tool material and any coatings, the workpiece material and its hardness, and the cutting conditions such as cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut all play important roles. Coolants or lubricants, machine condition, vibration and chatter, and tool geometry (flute count, rake angle, edge radius) also influence wear and breakage rates. Environmental conditions and quality control requirements further shape the expected life.

Measurement and management of verktygslev involve defining a wear or performance criterion that signals end-of-life, such as a defined wear land, a drop in cutting efficiency, or deterioration in surface finish. The exact threshold is typically established by tool manufacturers or machining engineers and can be expressed as time, length of cut, or number of parts. Understanding tool life supports cost-effective tooling strategies and consistent part quality.