Which cutting tool can be indexed to reveal a fresh cutting edge?

Which cutting tool can be indexed to reveal a fresh cutting edge?

• A. Carbide insert
• B. End mill
• C. Reamer
• D. Drill bit

Answer: (A)

Indexing means exposing a fresh cutting edge by rotating or flipping to another edge on the same tool. Carbide inserts are built with multiple cutting edges around their perimeter; when one edge wears, you rotate or replace the insert to use a new edge, giving you extended tool life without replacing the whole tool. This modular, edge-reuse idea is what makes carbide inserts inherently indexable. End mills, reamers, and drill bits are not designed to be indexed in this way. They’re typically used until they’re worn or then reshaped/replaced as a unit, rather than having multiple usable edges you switch to during operation.

Indexing means exposing a fresh cutting edge by rotating or flipping to another edge on the same tool. Carbide inserts are built with multiple cutting edges around their perimeter; when one edge wears, you rotate or replace the insert to use a new edge, giving you extended tool life without replacing the whole tool. This modular, edge-reuse idea is what makes carbide inserts inherently indexable.

End mills, reamers, and drill bits are not designed to be indexed in this way. They’re typically used until they’re worn or then reshaped/replaced as a unit, rather than having multiple usable edges you switch to during operation.