tipradius

Tipradius refers to the radius of curvature at the very tip of a tool, probe, or other functional end. It is a geometric parameter that affects how the tip interacts with material, surfaces, or samples, and it is typically specified in units of millimeters or nanometers, depending on the application.

In machining and manufacturing, many cutting tools and end-effect components use a radiused tip rather than a perfectly sharp point. Ball nose milling, for example, employs a known tip radius that determines the final surface contour and the depth of cut in three-dimensional workpieces. A larger tip radius increases contact area, reduces peak cutting forces, and can improve surface finish and tool life, but it also reduces feature sharpness and dimensional detail. Conversely, a smaller radius enables finer detail and sharper edges but can be more susceptible to chipping or wear under heavy loading. The tip radius is chosen to balance accuracy, surface quality, and tool durability for the intended operation.

In precision metrology and microscopy, the tip radius is critical for resolution. Atomic force microscope tips, for instance, must have very small radii to achieve high lateral resolution; typical sharp probes range from a few nanometers to tens of nanometers in radius. Tip wear during scanning degrades resolution, making tip radius control and replacement important for consistent performance.

Manufacture and measurement of tipradius involve grinding, polishing, or advanced milling, sometimes followed by inspection with scanning electron microscopy or profilometry. In engineering drawings and specifications, the tip radius should be stated when it influences fit, function, or measurement accuracy. See also: radius of curvature, ball end mill, AFM tip.