What is built up edge?
Built up edge (BUE), is a problem you can face when machining ‘sticky’ metals such as low carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium. BUE is material from the work piece that builds up against the rake face of the cutting tool. When this happens the outcome is likely to be a poor surface finish. This is bad news for all machinists - especially for those working in the oil & gas and power generation industries. The last thing you need when you're machining a flange or line boring a turbine casing is to mess up and have to to start all over again.
Understanding how built up edge is formed will help you prevent this from happening. Take a look at the information we've gathered from a variety of sources.
