CNC machines can perform different machining procedures due to the different CNC machining tools available. These different CNC tools have different characteristics that make them suitable for different operations while reducing the need for manual input from machine operators. This eliminates the age-old problem of machine operators getting tired and ruining the process.
CNC machining tools are divided into different types, including turning, cutting (milling), drilling and grinding tools. Among them, CNC cutting tools are the most used.
This article describes the different types of CNC machine tools and their features. If you want to know more about these editing tools, this is the quick guide for you.
CNC Turning Tools
Turning is one of the oldest machining processes and dates back to the Egyptian Empire. CNC turning tools work with a lathe (lathe) that rotates the part at high speed while the turning tool shapes the part into the programmed shape. The shape of the part depends on the type of turning process and the turning tool used. Examples of different turning tools are:
Drilling Tools
Boring tools are used with the lathe to expand straight or tapered holes that have already been drilled or cast into the workpiece.
Chamfering Tools
Machinists use chamfering tools for a variety of applications, such as deburring, removing sharp edges on workpieces, and chamfering.
knurled tool
Knurling tools are CNC turning tools that can be used to create various patterns (diagonal, straight or diamond-shaped) on the surface of workpieces. These patterns ensure better fixation of the finished piece.
Separation Tool
Cutting tools have a blade-like edge that cuts the material from the workpiece. Machinists also use them to separate the finished part from the rest of the part.
CNC cutting tools (CNC milling tools)
CNC cutting tools are one of the most commonly used tool sets in the CNC industry. Although they are called cutting tools, CNC does not have a process called cutting. Instead, there is the grinding process. For this reason, CNC cutting tools are also called CNC routers/CNC routers.
As for the process, milling is another popular process for which machining tools are often used. Although it is very important in the machining area, due to the wide variety of CNC tools used in milling, it achieves the precision that the turning process has. CNC milling machines are used with a CNC milling machine (or milling machine). The milling machine uses CNC routers to remove material from multiple locations on a solid part in a circular motion.
Examples of cutting tools are:
End mill
If you're familiar with CNC milling, you've probably heard of end mills. They are similar to drills but are more versatile. They help to drill holes in materials even without pre-drilling. There are also different types of end mills that differ in the number of flutes and tip type.
When classified according to the tip, there are three types: round nose, spherical nose and flat nose. As for the number of flutes, each end mill can have a minimum of 8.
Plate laminators
Plate cutters are CNC cutting tools designed for milling flat surfaces. They are particularly suitable for heavy work. To use plate cutters, you must place the workpiece surface parallel to the CNC milling table.
Face milling cutter
Face mills are CNC mills with flat surfaces and replaceable cutting edges made of carbide. Because these cutting edges are on the sides, face mills can only cut workpieces in the horizontal direction. The function of face mills is to create flat sections on parts. One advantage of using face mills is the ability to change their cutting edges. This feature gives the tool longer operating time.
punch knife
Impact mills are CNC milling machines that consist of a tool body and cutting inserts. Its function is to make shallow or wide cuts in pieces. They may have one or two cutting inserts. The advantage of using impact mills with two cutting inserts is that they can cover a larger section of the part. You can use them for similar functions as face mills; however, they are cheaper.
Hollow mills
Hollow mills are CNC mills with a tubular shape and look like inverted end mills. They are often used to create form radii and complete centers on workpieces.
In addition to these types of cutting tools, there are many other types, including:
- reamers
- Side and front cutters
- thread milling cutter
- Involving Gear Cutter
Drilling Tools
Drilling tools are also known as drill bits. Machinists use drilling tools to drill holes in workpieces. They work with twist drills or CNC routers and make these holes using their slots and tapered cutting edges. Examples of drilling tools are:
Center drill
Machinists use pilot drills to drill precise holes in the workpiece before using other drills to enlarge the hole.
Ejector drill
Ejector bits are used after center bits to create larger and deeper holes in the workpiece.
Twist drill
Machinists use twist drills to drill holes that do not require higher specifications.
Machinists sometimes classify drilling tools as a subset of cutting tools.
Grinding Tools
Grinding tools work in conjunction with grinding wheels. They are used to smooth the surface of a part and generally have high precision. The only identified grinding tool is the grinding wheel.
Different types of materials used in the production of CNC machine tools
The raw material of CNC machine tools determines the processing method such as: B. the feed rate and cutting speed you can use. A general rule of thumb is that the raw material for your CNC machine tools should be harder than the part material. Otherwise, the tool will be quite ineffective for the procedure. Below are some common examples of materials used in the manufacture of metalworking tools:
Carbon steel
Carbon steel contains a mixture of silicon, carbon and manganese and is the cheapest tool for making CNC machine tools. However, the low price comes with a big disadvantage. The material has low durability.
Therefore, carbon steel machine tools are not suitable for heavy-duty applications. Due to its low melting point (200°C), it cannot withstand the high heat generated in heavy-duty applications and will begin to melt. Machinists use it to cut lightweight materials such as foam or plastic.
High speed steel
Because high-speed steel contains more durable metals such as tungsten, molybdenum, and chromium, it is a more durable material for manufacturing CNC machine tools. With a melting point of 600°C, high-speed steel materials are suitable for heavy-duty applications and can withstand high thermal loads.
Hard metals
Hard metals are made from carbides and metals such as titanium. Due to their components, they can even withstand higher temperatures than high-speed steel. However, the material is not as durable as high-speed steel. This means that its service life may be reduced due to cracks or chips on the tool surface. Therefore, its use is mainly limited to the production of finishing tools.
Ceramic cutting
This is the hardest material on this list. Machining tools made from this material are corrosion and heat resistant and can cut the hardest parts. However, its service life is comparable to that of hard metals. Despite their hardness, they are rarely used by manufacturers to produce CNC machine tools because they are prone to cracking and chipping.
What common coatings are used on CNC machining tools?
Another factor that influences the properties of CNC machine tools is the coating used. These coatings can improve tool life and hardness and help it withstand higher temperatures. Examples of common tool coatings include:
Titanium nitride
This is one of the first and most commonly used coatings to increase the hardness of cutting tools. In addition to hardness, it also improves other properties such as thermal stability and wear resistance of tools. It also has moderate resistance to oxidation.
However, as manufacturers have developed variants of this coating with better properties, its use is no longer as widespread as it once was.
Chromium Nitride
Manufacturers have developed chromium nitride coatings that work where titanium nitride fails. The coating increases the hardness of machine tools and makes them resistant to corrosion. It also increases their thermal resistance, making them suitable for tools for high temperature applications.
Aluminum Titanium Nitride (AlTiN) / Super Life Titanium Nitride
This coating should not be confused with titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coating. These two differ in their aluminum content. TiAlN contains 40% aluminum, while AlTiN contains about 65% aluminum. This coating increases the heat resistance of CNC machine tools.
Titanium Carbon Nitride
This is another variant of titanium nitride coating that contains carbon. Due to the relatively low operating temperature of this coating, it cannot be used in high temperature environments. Improves properties such as hardness and surface lubrication of CNC cutting tools.
Factors to Consider When Choosing CNC Machine Tools
For the success of any machining process, it is crucial that you have the right tools. To ensure you have the right tool, you must consider the various properties required to produce successfully machined parts with the best surface roughness. Below are the different factors to consider when choosing editing tools:
The material from which the part is made
The material you want to work with is crucial when choosing your tool. As already mentioned, the tool used in a machining operation must be harder than the part. Once you determine the hardness of the part, you can easily determine the suitable materials for the machining process.
The raw material of the tool
Tool properties are also crucial for selecting the right tool. For example, if you need a tool with a long service life and high heat resistance, high speed steel tools are the best choice. However, if you are looking for a tool that can cut particularly hard materials like cast iron, cutting ceramic is the best option.
Number of cutting edges
The number of grooves in the tool is important because it determines the feed rate of the machine tool. The greater the number of grooves, the greater the speed at which the cutter moves against the workpiece. However, too many grooves can also cause parts cut from the part to get stuck between the grooves. Therefore, it is important to obtain the ideal number of slots for a machining operation.
The type of editing being considered
There are different CNC machining tools specified for different machining processes. Therefore, the editing process type provides a list of tools that you can work with. However, in some cases, tools for a particular machining process can also be used for other applications.
Tool coating
The coating of the machine tool is also crucial because it influences the properties of the tool. For example, a titanium nitride coating increases the manufacturing cost of a tool and its hardness. So if you need an economical tool, a titanium nitride tool is out of the question.
No machining without CNC machine tools
CNC machine tools are indispensable in machining processes. However, you need to find the right machine to ensure the machining process goes smoothly. Instead of worrying about finding the right tool, you can outsource your machining operations to experts.
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Common questions
Is there a suitable tool for all machining processes?
Although some tools are suitable for more than one procedure, no tool is suitable for all types of procedures. To obtain optimal results, it is advisable to only use tools specified for a machining process.
What kind of material is best for making CNC tools?
The best material for a CNC machine tool depends on the machining process the tool is intended to work with. However, high speed steel offers the best of both worlds in terms of price and hardness.
Is coating necessary for CNC tools?
Coatings help improve the properties of cutting tools. Therefore, they are important for many tools. However, they are not necessary. You can also use these tools without coating. The only problem with most uncoated tools is that they may not last as long as coated tools.
