How to choose cutting tools for CNC machine tools

Choosing the best cutting tool is critical to the success of a machining production enterprise. This is also a continuous and repeated work, and will directly affect the product processing cycle and the competitiveness of the factory.

Of course, many people say that we use whatever knives are available in the factory, but if you know more about choosing knives, you will be more efficient and save money. Then the boss doesn't give you a raise and who will give you a raise! The selection of tools needs to consider the compatibility with the machine tool, and use the shortest time and the lowest cost to process the highest quality parts.

We will discuss how to select a tool from the following aspects.

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1. The most important tool

When any tool stops working, it means that production has stopped. But it does not mean that every tool has the same important status. The tool with the longest cutting time has a greater impact on the production cycle, so under the same premise, this tool should be given more attention. In addition, attention should be paid to tools with the most stringent requirements for machining key components and machining tolerances. In addition, tools with relatively poor chip control, such as drills, grooving tools, and threading tools, should also be paid attention to. Poor chip control can cause downtime.

2. Match with the machine tool

The knives are divided into right-handed and left-handed knives, so it is very important to choose the right tool. Generally, right-hand tools are suitable for machine tools that rotate counterclockwise (CCW) (viewed along the main axis); left-hand tools are suitable for machine tools that rotate clockwise (CW). If you have several lathes, some hold left-hand tools, and others are compatible with left and right hands, then please choose left-hand tools. For milling, people usually tend to choose more versatile tools. However, even though this type of tool covers a larger processing range, you will immediately lose the rigidity of the tool, increase the tool flexural deformation, reduce the cutting parameters, and more easily cause machining vibration. In addition, the manipulator of the machine tool to change the tool also has restrictions on the size and weight of the tool. If you are buying a machine tool with an inner cooling through hole for the spindle, please also choose a tool with an inner cooling through hole.

3. Match with the processed material

Carbon steel is the most common material to be processed in machining, so most tools are based on optimized carbon steel processing design. The blade grade should be selected according to the material to be processed. Tool manufacturers provide a series of tool bodies and matching blades for processing non-ferrous materials such as high-temperature alloys, titanium alloys, aluminum, composite materials, plastics and pure metals. When you need to process the above-mentioned materials, please choose a tool that matches the material.

4. Tool specifications

A common mistake is that the size of the selected turning tool is too small and the size of the milling cutter is too large. Large-sized turning tools have better rigidity; large-sized milling cutters are not only more expensive, but also take longer to cut. In general, the price of large-size tools is higher than that of small-size tools.

5. Choose between replaceable blade type or re-grinding type tool

The principle to follow is simple: try to avoid grinding tools. Except for a few drill bits and face milling cutters, if conditions permit, try to choose replaceable blade type or replaceable head type tools. This will save you labor costs while obtaining stable processing results.