Types of CNC Machine Tools: The Complete Guide
The CNC machining process uses multiple tools that work like cutters. These tools help to create different shapes in the workpiece and achieve the desired component geometry.
CNC machine tools are versatile, and each tool has a definite purpose. If you want to explore these types of CNC machine tools, the guide below captures it all. So, let's read.
Why is CNC Tool Selection Important?
The CNC machining process is totally dependent on the CNC cutting tools. These tools help to create different shapes and geometries out of the workpiece. Hence, choosing the right type of tool is crucial to achieving optimal results. The productivity of the machining can be optimized when the right tools are used, and the surface finishing is enhanced.
CNC Milling Tools
CNC milling tools are commonly utilized in the process of CNC machining, and they are also a type of cutting tool. These tools help to remove materials from different parts of the component by moving in a circular motion.
End Mills
CNC milling has end mills, which are tools in the form of drill bits. They are used for cutting holes in the materials at any drilling spot defined. There are three forms of end mills: ball nose, flat end mills, and bullnose.
Face Mills
Face mills are a type of CNC cutting tools that have flat faces, and these can be replaced with cutting edges. These tools are made using carbide, and they have sides with cutting edges. These tools can cut the materials in the horizontal direction only.
Slitting Saws
It is a CNC cutting tool that has a circular and flat layout with a hole and teeth. These are known as slotting cutters, and they can cut materials with a small diameter. These saws have geometries and shapes that can help cut slots in the parts efficiently.
Slab Mills
Slab mills are used for milling flat surfaces; they are suitable for heavy-duty applications. These mills are placed parallel to the components on the CNC table.
Fly Cutters
Fly cutters are a type of CNC cutters that have cutting bits and a body. These cutters work by making broad and shallow cuts on the parts. Fly cutters have two cutting bits that help cover a major section of the component.
Involute Gear Cutters
Involute gear cutters are used for cutting gear teeth, and these are used for cutting rack gears. These are durable and affordable and consist of variations in gears.
Hollow Mills
Hollow mills are a type of CNC cutters that have pipe-shaped end mills in the inverted form. They are used for creating full points and radii in the components.
T-slot Cutter
T-slot cutters are a type of milling tool that is designed with a T-shaped slot in the components. These are used for letting the T-nuts, bolts, and other parts into these slots. These T-slot cutters are used for manufacturing jigs and work-holding components.
CNC Turning Tools
CNC turning is one of the oldest processes of machining. It is used by rotating the workpiece at a high speed, and the turning tool shapes the component based on the given shape in the program.
Расточные инструменты
Boring tools consist of a lathe, which is used for enlarging tapered and straight holes that have been drilled in the components.
Инструменты для снятия фасок
Chamfering tools are used for applications where sharp edges need to be removed or workpieces need deburring.
Knurling Tool
Knurling tools are used to create multiple types of patterns, such as diamond, straight, and diagonal. These patterns ensure an improved grip on the component.
Parting Tool
Parting tools are composed of an edge that works like a blade that cuts the material away from the component. These tools cut the finished component for the rest of the workpiece.
CNC Drilling Tools
CNC drilling tools are used to create holes in the components, and they twist the CNC drills to create these holes. Some of the types of drilling tools are as follows:
Center Drills
Center drills are used to make precise holes in the component so that a small-sized hole is created, which can be further enlarged using other tools.
Ejector Drills
Ejector drills are used to make the holes bigger and deeper, which have already been drilled in the component.
Twist Drills
Twist drills create such holes that need no major specifications.
CNC Grinding Tools
CNC grinding tools are used with grinding wheels. They help to make the surface of the components smooth and ensure highly accurate components.
Materials Used in CNC Machines’ Cutting Tools
CNC machining cutting tools are made using different materials, and some of these are as follows:
Углеродистая сталь
Carbon steel is a combination of manganese, silicon, and carbon that is used for making affordable tools. The carbon steel tools are highly affordable but less durable. Therefore, using carbon steel for heavy-duty applications and high-temperature environments may not be suitable.
High-Speed Steel
High-speed steel has durability as it has chromium, tungsten, and molybdenum. It is suitable for heavy-duty components and can also withstand high levels of heat.
Cemented Carbides
Cemented carbides are a combination of metals and carbides, and they have the ability to withstand extreme temperatures. The durability of the tools, however, is lacking, and they can lead to cracks and chips on the surface of the tool.
Cutting Ceramics
Cutting ceramics are highly corrosion-resistant and even resist heat. They can cut the hardest materials easily and, hence, are highly durable. They are very hard but may develop cracks.
Typical Coatings Used For CNC Tools
CNC tools have some coatings, and these coatings may be the following:
Titanium Nitride
Titanium nitride coating is one of the most commonly used coatings, making the cutting tool hard and improving its thermal stability. The cutting tools coated with titanium nitride are highly wear-resistant and even resist oxidation.
Алмаз
Diamond is a hard material that offers excellent performance and is suitable for heavy-duty applications. They can machine components that are made using challenging materials.
Chromium Nitride
Chromium nitride is used for coating the tool, and it enhances the corrosion resistance and hardness of the tool. It improves the thermal strength of machine tools, which makes it suitable for extreme heat cutting processes.
Titanium Carbo-Nitride
Titanium carbo-nitride is coated with titanium nitride. It is equipped with a carbon coating but is not suitable for high-temperature environments. It makes the surface of the tool equipped with lubrication and enhances its hardness.
Aluminum Titanium Nitride
Aluminum titanium nitride coating makes the cutting tools equipped with heat resistance. These tools have 65% aluminum.
Key Considerations When Selecting Types of CNC Machine Tools
The main considerations when choosing the CNC machining tools are as follows:
The Tool’s Raw Material
Every type of CNC tool material must match the project requirements. High-speed steel is suitable for projects that need a longer span of life and can handle high heat.
The Workpiece Material
The workpiece materials are also a condition to have in place when selecting the tools. The tools for CNC cutting must be harder than the component materials so that they can easily be cut.
Number of Flutes
CNC tools have flutes; these flutes act as a determinant of the rate of feed. The right number of flutes is important to choose because if there are too many, the material can get stuck between them.
Tool Coating
CNC tool coating is a considerable factor that determines the choice. The coating impacts the property of the tool. A CNC tool that is made with the right coating improves the hardness of the tool, and so does the cost of machining.
Type of Machining Operation
CNC tools are used for different functions. Not every type of tool is compatible with every CNC machining method. The components that need holes require drilling tools, so every specific process needs a specific machining tool.
Заключение
CNC machine tools are a crucial part of the overall manufacturing process. If you are looking for a precision-oriented CNC machining process with timeless finishes in the components, we at DEK can help you. So, get in touch with us now, and we will design highly accurate components for your projects.
