What are gashes in hob cutter?

Gashes in a hob cutter refer to the intentional grooves or notches cut into the tool's flutes. These gashes enhance the cutting action by improving chip removal and reducing cutting forces, which can lead to better performance and tool longevity. They also help in increasing the effective cutting edges by creating additional sharp points for the hob to engage with the workpiece. Properly designed gashes are crucial for achieving optimal efficiency in gear manufacturing processes.