Various cutting tools allow CNC machining centers to produce components with simple and complex geometries. To be more precise, each device serves a unique function. CNC machining’s adaptability as a production method directly results from the wide variety of tools available for use, such as drills, bits, and mills.
What type of cutting tools do we use to make CNC machined parts?
The several types of tools that are used to make CNC machined parts are:
- Drill bits
Drill bits feature a conical cutting tip at the end of a shaft with two cutting spirals. The helical grooves aid chip evacuation to the outside of the drilled hole and the cutting tip is typically set at an angle of 120 degrees.
- End Mill
When compared to drills, end mills are more versatile. You may count on four to eight cutting edges and sides, resulting in a high material removal rate per unit of time. End mills are the most basic cutting tool for CNC machined parts.
- Ball-end mill
Ball end mills are used for both creating spherical cavities and machining curved surfaces. Ball end mills perform many close-together passes when cutting curved surfaces to minimize the formation of tiny ribs.
- Face Mill
When machining a part, the initial step is to smooth and straighten its surfaces. Thus, a Face mill is employed, notable for its large diameter and ability to cut at the tool’s base.
- Reamers
Drilling a hole to an exact diameter is usually impossible. To obtain holes within an established tolerance, we employ reamers. A tolerance table is available, which can be used to pick the appropriate tolerance based on the hole’s diameter.
- External Round Mill
Using external round mills, we create a rounded corner at the edge’s exterior. This causes the edge to be rounded.
- Hollow Mill
Hollow mills are much like end mills, and the distinction is that they are perforated in the middle. A stud of a specific diameter can be machined in this fashion by cutting in only one direction.
- Thread Tap
The use of threaded holes in machined components is widespread. Furthermore, we use them to mount electronics and connect other mechanical parts.
- Thread Cutting Mill
Thread cutting mill is designed specifically for cutting external thread. All kinds of things can be fastened with bolts and other fasteners that use external threads.
- Fly Cutter
The Fly cutter is the tool of choice when you need to swiftly smooth down a rough surface. This mill has a lengthy arm but only makes cuts at the very end.
- T-Shaped Mill
T-shaped mills produce undercuts and grooves perpendicular to the tool’s rotating axis.
- Countersink Mill
Hole and edge chamfers can be manufactured with a countersink mill. By slowing the cutting tool’s motion, you can make sure that your countersunk hole turns out nice and round.
Which materials are cutting tools made of?
- Carbon Steel
Carbon steel material for cutting tools is typically used when milling aluminum, brass, and magnesium. Carbon steel is widely used for making cutting equipment like mills because of its high quality and low cost.
- High-Speed Steel
High-speed steel and carbon steel are interchangeable, and the difference is that they’re alloyed with other elements, including Chromium, vanadium, tungsten, and cobalt. High-speed steel tools last long and can withstand high temperatures.
- Carbide
Carbide is a material used to make tools containing carbon and tungsten, and this combines the properties of the two materials that are often used to create blades. A significant benefit of carbide tools is their durability and resilience in extreme conditions.
- Ceramic
High efficiency is a hallmark of ceramic mills. They are also very well suited for machining steel and strong steel alloys because of their heat and corrosion resistance.
Summary
The use of CNC machine tools is necessary for the machining processes. To ensure a smooth machining process, however, it is essential to select the correct one. You can outsource your machining operations to professionals rather than scratching your head over the best tool. To make it easier for you to identify the ideal partner to meet your CNC machining needs, we at Karkhana.io have simplified the procedure.
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