Utters

nounShop talkMachine Shop

Unwanted surface marks or gouges left on a part by tool vibration or excessive pressure.

Surface defects, depressions, or irregular marks left on a machined part when a cutting tool vibrates, deflects, or is pushed too hard against the material. These blemishes ruin the surface finish and often mean the part fails inspection. They are usually caused by a lack of rigidity in the setup or incorrect cutting parameters.

Heard on the job

Back off the feed rate a bit, you're leaving utters all over that face.

Insider tip

If you see utters forming, immediately check your tool overhang and make sure the workpiece is clamped tightly.