Classification and Selection of TBM Cutter

In the tunnel boring machine construction, TBM cutters are indispensable tools, and all tunnel borer construction must be completed with these cutters.

1. Classification of TBM Cutter

TBM cutter can be roughly divided into TBM disc cutter and scrapers according to their rock breaking methods.

(1). Roller cutters: roller cutters refer to the rock breaking tool that not only rotates with the cutter head, but also rotate at the same time during tunneling.

According to the installation position, TBM cutters can be divided into front cutters, center cutters, gauge cutters and reaming cutters.

According to the material of the cutter blade, TBM cutters are divided into all steel roller cutters and tungsten carbide insert roller cutter.

According to the shape of the blade, TBM cutters can be divided into disc cutters (steel cutter ring hob and TCI cutter ring hobs) and TCI roller cutter (steel teeth and button teeth);

According to the structural form, TBM cutters are divided into single disc cutter, double disc cutters, triple disc cutter, twin disc cutter, triplet disc cutter, and eccentric disc cutter.

(2). Soft ground cutters: soft ground cutters refer to the rock breaking tool that only rotates with the cutter head and do not rotate during excavation.

There are various types of scrapers. At present, edge scrapers, cutting knives, tooth knives, leading knives, profiling knives, scrapers and so on are commonly used on shield machines.

2. Selection of TBM cutter

Whether the TBM cutter is suitable for the geological conditions of the project is one of the key factors affecting the use effect, so the specific geological conditions of the project must be considered when selecting the cutting tool.

(1) . It is suitable to use scrapers, toothed cutters or chisel button roller cutters, when the geological conditions are soft soil and soft rock formations, such as shale, clay, etc.

(2) . It is suitable to use disc roller cutters or chisel button roller cutters, when the geological conditions are medium-soft rock formations, such as limestone, sandstone, etc.

(3) . It is suitable to use disc roller cutters or spherical button roller cutters, when the geological conditions are medium-hard rock formations, such as granite, schist, etc.

It is suitable to use disc roller cutters or spherical button disc cutters, when the geological conditions are hard rock formations, such as basalt, conglomerate, etc.