The important position of tool selection in machining is self-evident. Learning to choose tools can help you work more easily. Therefore, you must pay attention to the 15 military rules of knife selection!
1. The most important thing in processing is tools
When any tool stops working, it means production has stopped. But that doesn’t mean every tool is equally important. The tool with the longest cutting time has a greater impact on the production cycle, so under the same premise, more attention should be paid to this type of tool. In addition, attention should be paid to the tightest tooling and machining tolerances required to machine critical components. In addition, tools with relatively poor chip control, such as drills, grooving tools, threading tools, etc., should also be noted. Poor chip control can lead to downtime.
2. Matching with machine tools
Knives are divided into right-handed and left-handed knives, so choosing the right one is very important. In general, right-hand tools are suitable for machine tools that rotate counterclockwise (CCW) (viewed along the spindle axis); left-hand tools are suitable for machine tools that rotate clockwise (CW). If you have multiple lathes, some of which support left-handed tools while others are compatible with left- and right-handed tools, choose left-handed tools. For milling, people generally tend to choose tools that are more versatile. However, although this type of tool covers a larger processing range, it also causes you to immediately lose the rigidity of the tool, increase the bending deformation of the tool, reduce cutting parameters, and more easily cause processing vibration. In addition, machine tool manipulator tool changes also have restrictions on the size and weight of the tools. If you purchase a machine tool with a spindle with internal cooling through holes, please also choose a tool with internal cooling through holes.
3. Matching with processing materials
Carbon steel is the most common processing material in machining, so most cutting tools are based on optimized carbon steel processing designs. The blade grade should be selected based on the material being processed. Tool manufacturers offer a range of cutter bodies and accompanying inserts for machining non-ferrous materials such as high-temperature alloys, titanium alloys, aluminum, composites, plastics and pure metals. When you need to process the above materials, please choose tools that match the materials. Most brands have various ranges of tools indicating which materials are suitable for processing. For example, DaElement's 3PP series is mainly used for processing aluminum alloys, the 86P series is specially used for processing stainless steel, and the 6P series is specially used for processing high-hard steel.
4. Tool specifications
A common mistake is to select a turning tool that is too small and a milling tool that is too large. Large-size turning tools are more rigid; large-size milling cutters are not only more expensive, but also take longer to cut. Generally speaking, larger-sized knives cost more than smaller-sized knives.
5. Choose replaceable blades or resharpenable tools
The rule to follow is simple: try to avoid using abrasive tools. Except for a few drill bits and face milling cutters, if conditions permit, try to use replaceable edge or replaceable head tools. This will save you labor costs while obtaining stable processing results.
6. Tool materials and grades
The selection of tool materials and grades is closely related to the properties of the material being processed, the maximum speed and feed rate of the machine tool. Choose a tool grade that is more versatile for the material group to be machined, usually a coated alloy grade. Please refer to the "Material Application Recommendation Chart" provided by the tool supplier. In practice, a common mistake is to replace similar material grades from other tool manufacturers in an attempt to solve tool life issues. If your existing tool isn't ideal, switching to a brand from another manufacturer that's close to it may provide similar results. To solve the problem, the cause of the tool failure must be identified.
