What are CNC cutting tools?

During the lathe machining of cylindrical parts, the cutting tool must remain stationary at its attachment point, while processing is achieved through the rotation of the workpiece in the lathe’s spindle.

Given the technology and geometry of the turning tool, unlike milling machines, we are forced to place the maximum number of processing tools in the CNC machine’s working zone.

A turret is the basic device that allows for quick and efficient tool changes in CNC turning centre. It consists of a disk that is attached to a base mounted. The turret has slots for mounting cutting tools and/or toolholders, including live blocks. Tool change in the turret is accomplished by rotation of the disk itself, while the tool or fixture always remains in its position in the turret.

This arrangement is recognized by all manufacturers of CNC lathers as most popular way to ensure quick change, maximum capacity of cutting tools, and maintenance of concentricity during position changes.

Understanding CNC Cutting Tools

Cutting tools for metal lathe are the physically interchangeable components within a CNC machine that directly engage with the workpiece, removing material through various cutting actions. These tools come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and configurations, each designed to handle specific machining operations and material types.

Machining a workpiece is performed by rotating it in the spindle and advancing the cutting tool, which is mounted on the carriage. The cutting tool is always aligned with the height of the workpiece. Consequently, due to the limitations of the standard lathe layout, drilling holes is possible only from the face of the workpiece and only along the central axis, with the drill remaining stationary while the workpiece rotates. Drilling off-center on the face or on the cylindrical part of the workpiece is not possible, nor is any milling that requires the rotation of the workpiece. Until the invention of live tooling, all such operations were performed in secondary processes on a milling machine.

This rotation can be achieved in three ways:

By supplying coolant special mechanism where liquid initiate the movement of the drive.

By the operation of an electrical motor and transferring torque to the tool through a coupling of the driven block.

The first two methods are mainly used on universal machines and have a number of limitations which we will not cover in this article.

The third method is used on most CNC lathes with live tooling function, which we will focus on.

Types of CNC Cutting Tools

CNC cutting tools can be broadly categorized into several distinct types, each serving a specific purpose in the machining process:

Milling Cutters

Milling cutters are the most common type of CNC cutting tool, used for a variety of material removal operations, such as face milling, shoulder milling, and slotting. These tools come in a range of shapes and sizes, including end mills, ball nose cutters, and fly cutters.

Drills

Drill bits are essential for creating holes, both through and blind, in a wide range of materials. CNC-compatible drill bits are designed for high-speed, precise hole-making, often featuring specialized geometries and coatings to improve tool life and performance.

Turning Tools

Turning tools, such as lathe tools and grooving tools, are used in CNC turning operations to remove material from the outer diameter of a workpiece, creating features like tapers, shoulders, and grooves.

CNC Machine Collets

CNC machine collets are an essential component in the CNC machining process, as they are responsible for securely holding and positioning the cutting tools during operation. Collets are cylindrical devices with a tapered internal bore that grips the shank of the cutting tool, providing a secure and accurate attachment.

The use of CNC machine collets offers several benefits:

Precision Clamping

Collets are designed to grip the cutting tool with a high degree of precision, ensuring that the tool is held in perfect alignment with the machine’s axis of rotation. This helps to maintain tight tolerances and improve the overall quality of the machined parts.

Vibration Reduction

The tight grip of the collet on the cutting tool helps to minimize vibrations during the machining process, resulting in a smoother and more stable cutting action.

Increased Tool Life

By reducing vibrations and maintaining precise tool alignment, the use of collets can significantly extend the lifespan of the cutting tools, reducing the need for frequent tool changes and maintenance.

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