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Types of Tools Used In CNC Machines

Feb 05, 2025

Through computer programming CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines control manufacturing processes with precise automation. The machines eliminate manual control by delivering uniform results throughout production. Industries applying CNC technology specifically use it for aerospace applications automotive manufacturing and metalworking to execute operations such as cutting and drilling milling and turning.

CNC machining tools serve as critical elements that affect both production quality and operational efficiency during the process. These have distinct applications that include material cutting alongside material shaping and finishing processes. The proper selection of tools enables manufacturing machines to function at their best while they produce parts to exact specifications and reduce material waste.

Each CNC machine requires specific tools for individual machining procedures. Tools in CNC machining comprise cutting implements such as drills and end mills which remove material and turning tools that perform lathing operations. The selection of appropriate tools remains essential to achieve high precision and excellent surface quality during drilling pressing and turning operations.

 

Cutting Tools in CNC Machining

End Mills

End mills function as essential CNC milling components because they facilitate multi-directional cutting operations which drills and other tools cannot achieve. The selection of end mills directly relates to material characteristics and operational parameters while accounting for the element of part complexity.

Flat End Mills

The main purpose of flat-end mills involves the production of flat surfaces as well as the creation of grooves. The tools measure between 1/16" and several inches in diameter. The carbide construction of these cutting tools makes them functional in both machining stages. End mills cut at speeds between 100 SFM and 400 SFM based on material type and tool dimensions and feed at depths between 0.002" to 0.020" per tooth.

Ball Nose End Mills

Tools with a ball nose end mill shape excel at producing intricate 3D contours and complex shapes. Their rounded tip design allows ball nose end mills to deliver precise finishing results on both straight and curved surfaces. The diameter range for ball nose mills extends from 1/32" up to 2". These tools operate at a typical cutting speed band of 100 to 300 SFM and require a feed rate between 0.001" to 0.015" per tooth based on material hardness.

Chamfer End Mills

The machining process of beveled edges in parts requires chamfer end mills. The angle range for chamfer mills extends from 15° to 90°. Carbide and HSS materials construct these mills which serve primarily for edge-breaking operations and deburring work. Tools operate within cutting speed ranges between 100 to 300 SFM and employ feed rates from 0.002" to 0.012" per tooth.

Drills

Machining round holes in different materials requires drilling tools as essential components. The design of drills varies according to their intended application which determines the essential factors of depth material strength and degree of precision.

Twist Drills

Twist drills represent the primary drill type used to drill holes. The point angle of twist drills reaches 118 degrees (135 degrees for harder materials) and they exist in diameters from 1/16" to 3". The cutting speeds for carbide drills fall between 90 and 300 SFM while these tools require feed rates between 0.003" to 0.010" per revolution. This drill type shows flexibility by processing metals in addition to plastics and composite materials.

Lathes and Turning Tools

Turning tools-based CNC lathe machines produce cylindrical parts and spherical geometry from raw materials. Surface quality and dimensional accuracy reach their peak through the perfect combination of tool angles and cutting insert design.

Turning Inserts (Carbide, Ceramic, CBN)

The turning process employs turning inserts that function as replaceable tip components utilizing hybrid carbide and ceramic and CBN materials. Carbide turning tool inserts used for standard operations exhibit Vickers Hardness values ranging from 1500 to 2000 HV. Ceramic tools maintain high Vickers Hardness levels rated between 2000–2500 HV because their brittle structure does not affect overall strength performance during rapid operation. The CBN inserts achieve extraordinary wear resistance because their hardness rating surpasses 4000 HV. Carbide inserts run at speeds ranging from 150 to 400 SFM but CBN inserts reach operational speeds from 250 to 600 SFM for hardened material processing.

Gun Drills

Gun drills are specialized for deep hole drilling, often with a length-to-diameter ratio of up to 300:1. The drilling apparatus utilizes special engineering principles to integrate exhaust channels that normalize chip removal during deep hole operations. Drilling operations require a speed variation between 50 to 200 SFM with hole depth characteristics and material type normally determining the final speed value. The drilling process of these tools requires a feed rate between 0.002" and 0.010" per revolution to provide dimensional precision along with geometric accuracy.

Reamers

The function of reamers is to finish drilled holes by creating precise surfaces after initial pre-holes are created. Tools in this category provide adjustable designs together with minimum tolerance ratings which extend from ±0.0001" to ±0.0005". Carbide and high-speed steel build reamers function from 50 SFM up to 150 SFM depending on material type. Reamers require feed rates ranging between 0.001" and 0.005" during each rotation.

Boring Tools

The main goal of boring tools consists of precise dimensional alterations on preexisting hole features. The collected tool ensemble enables users to modify holes at sizes that outperform standard drill tool possibilities. Boring tools constructed from BCN and carbide materials run at speeds that range from 50 to 200 SFM with material feed rates from 0.002" to 0.008" per revolution.

Types of Cutting Edges (Positive, Negative Rake)

The design of the insert depends on its rake angle which controls its cutting performance.

● Positive Rake Angle: Soft material machining through positive rake angles between 10° to 25° allows for decreased cutting forces with excellent operating performance.

● Negative Rake Angle: Negative rake angles between -5° to -15° demonstrate exceptional tool stability together with wear resistance making them optimal for processing steel and titanium materials.

Taps and Dies

The tools in taps and dies serve to produce internal threads in taps alongside external threads in dies. The tools offer basic operation features during CNC machining of threading tasks by accommodating various design options suitable for materials and thread formats.

Tapping Tools (Hand Taps, Machine Taps)

The cutting tools known as tapping tools exist in two main versions HSS and carbide which specifically cut internal threads. Hand taps serve manual threaded operations but CNC automation requires machine taps. The precision control of thread tolerances normally operates within ±0.0005" for high-accuracy threading applications. The cutting speed ranges for tapping tools span between 30 and 150 SFM while considering the material type and thread dimension.

Die Inserts

Die inserts function to create external threads on cylindrical materials. HSS or carbide materials form the basis for die inserts that follow thread standards such as UN, Metric, and BSP. During threading operations machines run at speeds ranging from 50 to 200 SFM to fulfill high accuracy requirements while maintaining thread precision within ±0.002".

 

Tool Holders in CNC Machining

Collet Holders

CNC machine spindles need Collet holders to keep the cutting tools in a precise position. Tool holders enable precise concentric positioning and produce minimal tool vibration throughout equipment usage. Cuts retain their secure positioning through collets that stretch and shrink together to offer precise repetitions in machining. Standard Collet holders are available in sizes ranging from 1/16" to 1" with steel and carbide serving as their base building components. The operating speed of CNC machine tools reaches between 500 and 10,000 RPM based on both tool dimensions and processed material specifics.

Chucks

The reliable clamping system of CNC machines incorporates Chucks for tool and workpiece retention. CNC machine processing operations use chucks as clamping devices which apply mechanical jaw assemblies to establish effective retention of tools and workpieces. Industries fabricate chucks using either steel or cast iron to grip tools ranging from 1" to 8" and larger in diameter. These devices operate within a range from 200 RPM to 4,000 RPM but they maintain strong torque output which enables reliable tool stability.

Vices

Machine tables use vices as their hardware components to achieve stable workpiece positions. The devices provide precise control of work positioning which enables operators to maintain operational stability. A CNC vice's clamping force depends on its size and material combination ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 N. These vices position with precision through ±0.0005" or better accuracy and tightly hold various workpiece dimensions.

Tool Pockets

CNC cutting tools access storage solutions through tool pockets that organize tools in machine setups that employ automatic tool changers (ATC). Tool security through proper positioning receives maintenance from tool pockets enabling simple access to tools while automatic tool switches operate. High-strength aluminum and steel combine to construct these pockets which accommodate tools ranging from 1/16" to 2" in diameter. Tool pockets allow quick tool transitions between production stages leading to shorter equipment standstill periods.

Quick-Change Tool Holders

Productivity improves for CNC machines because their use of quick-change tool holders cuts down setup durations. Automatic tool change operations are enabled by quick tool engagement features that provide seamless disengagement functions that remove operator-dependent wrenching steps. Quick tool changes are completed in 5-10 seconds through this system design. Hardened steel and aluminum alloys form quick-change tool holders which maintain various tool dimensions while operating at high-speed machining speeds securely.

 

Measurement and Inspection Tools in CNC Machining

Probes (Touch Probes, Laser Probes)

The process needs probes for ongoing measurements and component checks. Touch probes touch the part surface for dimension measurement through precise contact operations. These probes deliver measurement accuracy ranging from 0.0001" to 0.001" which suits feature verification during the machining process. Laser probes generate detailed 3D part profiles using non-contact scanning techniques that reach a measurement precision of 1 µm for complex geometry inspections.

Micrometers

The measurement tool known as a micrometer delivers exceptional precision when analyzing small dimensions including both thickness and diameter. Field measurement applications use these devices to detect dimensions with precision rates reaching 0.0001" or 0.001mm range. When applied to small components such as shafts and bearings micrometers help ensure parts conform to strict CNC machining requirements.

Calipers

Calipers serve multiple functions since they can check internal, external, and depth dimensions together with step dimensions which enables flexible part inspections during the machining process. A digital caliper achieves measurements with a precision of 0.0005" (0.01mm) across its 0 to 12" (0 to 300mm) measurement scale. Their design provides fast measurements for parts with medium tolerance ranges.

CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines)

The advanced CMM technology uses high-precision mechanisms to detect part dimensions across 3D spatial locations. Touch or laser probes enable data capture through CMM which delivers measurements with better than 0.0001" (0.0025mm) accuracy. The real-time measurement capabilities of CMMsmakes them perfect for checking complex parts with tight tolerances while production occurs.

 

Abrasive Tools in CNC Machining

Grinding Wheels

The process of material removal by abrasion uses grinding wheels during surface or cylindrical grinding procedures. Since the surface finish requirement determines the selection of grit sizes between 24 and 600 the wheels work at speeds between 3,000 and 6,000 RPM. The wheels deliver both delicate surface finishes together with effective material removal capabilities.

Polishing Tools

The polished finish of workpieces results from using abrasive pads together with compounds as smoothing and shining instruments. Operating at cycles ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 RPM these tools eliminate surface flaws to achieve refined finishes. Different grit sizes available across the spectrum from 50 as coarse to 2000 as ultra-fine determine the level of mirror surface quality desired.

Belt Sanders

Belt sanders reach their goal by using endless abrasive belts to achieve smoothness and eliminate surface defects. At 3,000 to 6,000 feet per minute (FPM) these tools work while utilizing belts that measure from 1" to 6". Parts requiring finishing or shaping benefit best from different-sized grits between 40 and 400.

 

Auxiliary Tools in CNC Machining

Coolant Nozzles and Systems

Coolant nozzles together with systems direct fluid streams to control temperatures and minimize drag forces during CNC machining procedures. The system routes coolant to both the cutting region and tools while simultaneously cooling down tools and workpieces while removing chips. Coolant systems deliver coolant at a range of 1–5 GPM with pressure levels from 30 to 1000 PSI to enhance both tool durability and part excellence.

Tool Presenters

Before CNC machines receive tools tool presetters perform both dimensional assessment and dimensional correction procedures. Tool presetters enable the precise measurement of tool sizing which produces dimensional accuracy within ±0.0001" (0.0025mm). Machining efficiency improves because this system prevents stoppages between tool changes as well as maintains precise tool positioning.

Chip Removal Tools

Efficient chip removal tools comprise conveyors vacuum systems and air blasts that clean the cutting zone. The tools sustain a clean operational environment by continuously removing debris which avoids disturbances in the production process. Vacuum systems deliver suction power of up to 1,500 CFM which efficiently handles extensive chip loads.

 

Tool Materials in CNC Machining

Carbide

The high tolerance of carbide tools to both wear and abrasive materials makes them suitable for quick production cycles and rough materials. Carbide tools primarily serve purposes in all of the key machining processes of turning milling and drilling. Carbide tools remain effective at high temperatures which extends their cutting edges so they can deal with materials such as stainless steel and titanium effectively.

Technical Values: Due to their remarkable ability to withstand high speeds carbide tools function optimally when used for cutting at 300 to 500 surface feet per minute (SFM).

High-Speed Steel (HSS)

The tool material High-Speed Steel (HSS) demonstrates exceptional versatility because it maintains its hardness during elevated temperature conditions. The tool works for diverse machining requirements most notably when making precise cuts while demonstrating good durability against wear. HSS tools demonstrate a combination of strength and impact tolerance suitable for operations conducted at slower speeds.

Technical Values: General machining benefits from HSS tools which maintain speeds between 100 to 300 SFM with simple resharpenability for reduced operational costs.

Ceramic Tools

Ceramic tools demonstrate superior durability through their resistance to wear while achieving operational speeds above what is possible for both carbide and HSS tools. These tools excel at processing difficult materials while maintaining stability during operations at harsh temperatures. The main application areas for ceramic tools involve finish turning and high-speed machining procedures when working with cast iron, hardened steel, and nickel-based alloys.

Technical Values: Ceramic tools deliver high-speed cutting potential beyond 1,000 SFM thus enabling precision finish operations.

Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN)

Due to its extreme hardness Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) tools rank just below diamond and specifically excel at machining hardened steels along with hard-to-machine materials. CBN delivers superior resistance against wear and excellent thermal stability which enables it to excel in challenging high-performance and precision applications.

Technical Values: Tools made from CBN enable finish machining operations at speeds from 400 to 800 SFM and excel at processing hardened tool steels alongside die steels and bearing materials.

Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD)

The most durable tool material known today is Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) which engineers utilize for cutting both non-ferrous materials and composite structures and high-temperature alloys. The exceptional longevity of PCD tools alongside their resistance to wear creates highly efficient production for mass manufacturing operations.

Technical Values: The cutting speed capability of PCD tools reaches from 1,500 to 4,000 SFM and enables efficient processing of hard materials like aluminum together with brass and graphite.

 

Conclusion

The production process of CNC machining depends on cutting tools alongside tool holders and measurement instruments as well as auxiliary tools to achieve precision and efficiency. Machining processes that suit diverse materials and applications utilize tool materials from carbide to CBN and PCD HSS and ceramic for specialized performance optimization.

Using appropriate tools results in peak performance together with accurate results and enhanced tool durability. The choice of proper tools improves machining efficiency while decreasing waste and enabling precise tolerances which produces higher-quality products and enhances manufacturing efficiency.

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