The aim of this thesis is to investigate the information regarding the influence of the cuttingrntool geometry (rake angle) on the main cutting force, the influence of cutting speed on thernmain cutting force and on the surface texture of the workpiece , and the influence of feed ofrncut on the main cutting force for orthogonal metal cutting operations was investigated.rnThe effects of the main cutting force on stress and their distribution around the surfacerncontact of cutting edge of cutter and workpeice by using finite element method (FEM) arernanalyzed. As simulation tool, commercial Finite Element Method is used. Simulation is onernof tools that have been used widely in several manufacturing areas and organizations. Using arnvalid simulation model gives several benefit and advantages in manufacturing in order tornimprove productivity. Separation of chip from the workpiece is achieved either only withrncontinuous remeshing or by erasing elements according to the damage accumulated. From thernresults cutting forces can be estimated. For verification of results several cutting experimentsrnare performed at different cutting conditions, such as rake angle and feed rate. Results showrnthat commercial code is able to simulate orthogonal cutting operations within reasonablernlimits.rnPlain damage model seems not appropriate for separation purposes of machining simulations.rnOn the other hand, although remeshing gives good results, it leads to the misconception ofrncrack generation at the tip of the tool. Therefore, a new separation criterion is necessary tornachieve both good physical modeling and prediction of process variables.rnKeywords: Finite Element Method, Orthogonal Metal Cutting.