![](https://s3images.coroflot.com/user_files/individual_files/611965__zukaaj25obcfmlhyxfkkx0kz.png)
The figure above is a side view drawing of a wire that was cut to create an anchor. The anchor models the barbed aspect of the barbed medical sutures. Notice the two dimensions that define the cut: the depth of cut and the angle of cut. There was 3 depths of cut studied: 0.07, 0.12, and 0.18 mm and three angles of cut studied: 150, 160, and 170 degrees, making a total of 9 different combinations of cuts. These cuts are to be generated on a 4 mm diameter wire.
![](https://s3images.coroflot.com/user_files/individual_files/611965_p9mgc_amrm8nqqk0uxxatolt9.png)
The figure above shows the tool that I designed in Solidworks to generate the 9 different cuts. The tool consists of 5 parts all made of steel and manufactured on the CNC machine.
![](https://s3images.coroflot.com/user_files/individual_files/611965_i2nk4qqubmbyid_vafbkcjtqt.png)
Looking at the front view, the bottom most part is the base. Notice 3 grooves of different depths. From left to right: 3.82, 3.88, and 3.93 mm corresponding to 0.18, 0.12, and 0.07 mm depth of cut in the wires. The groves are all based on a 4 mm diameter circle to fit the wire size. Looking at the left side view, there are three parts each having a plane of different angle: 10, 20, and 30 degrees. The tool will be used as following: the wires will be fitted inside the grooves. A cutting plane is chosen (let's say 10 degrees) and is screwed to the base part through 2 holes. The wires are fixed on the other side of the base using the 5th tool part which will also be screwed to the base through 2 holes. Finally, using a plane cutter which I slide along the cutting plane, I create three cuts of depth 0.07, 0.12 and 0.18 mm and angle 170 degrees. The process is repeated for the other two angles of cut.
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