TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS
Cutting Tools
Cutting tools are specifically engineered instruments used to remove material from a workpiece by means of shear deformation. In industrial manufacturing and machining, these tools must possess extreme hardness, toughness, and thermal resistance to maintain a sharp edge under high-speed friction.
Key Technical Specifications
The performance of a cutting tool is defined by its geometry and the material it is made from.
1. Material Composition
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High-Speed Steel (HSS): An alloy steel capable of withstanding higher temperatures without losing its temper (hardness). It is commonly used for drill bits and end mills.
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Tungsten Carbide: Significantly harder than HSS, carbide tools can operate at much higher speeds. They are often used as "inserts" that can be replaced when worn.
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Ceramics and CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride): Used for high-speed machining of hard materials where heat resistance is the primary concern.
2. Geometry and Angles
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Rake Angle: The angle of the tool's face relative to the work. It influences chip formation and the amount of cutting force required.
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Clearance (Relief) Angle: Prevents the tool from rubbing against the workpiece, which would cause excessive heat and a poor surface finish.
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Flute Count: In tools like end mills or drills, flutes are the grooves that allow chips to exit the hole. Fewer flutes allow for better chip clearance in soft materials, while more flutes provide a smoother finish in harder metals.
3. Coatings
Industrial cutting tools often feature specialized coatings to reduce friction and increase tool life:
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TiN (Titanium Nitride): A general-purpose gold-colored coating that increases hardness and heat resistance.
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TiAlN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride): Excellent for high-temperature applications where no coolant is used.
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Diamond Coating: Used specifically for non-ferrous materials like aluminum and carbon fiber.
3. Operational Features
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Chuck Size: Common sizes are 1/4" (hex for drivers), 3/8", and 1/2" (standard for drills). A 1/2" chuck allows for larger, industrial-grade drill bits.
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Arbor Size: The diameter of the hole in the center of a saw blade or grinding disc. Standardizing arbor sizes ensures compatibility across different brands.
Common Industrial Cutting Tools
Tool Type | Technical Focus | Image | Common Application |
|---|---|---|---|
End Mill | Diameter, Flute count, Shank type | Milling slots, pockets, and complex shapes in CNC machines. | |
Twist Drill Bit | Point Angle (118° or 135°), Helix Angle | Creating cylindrical holes in metal, wood, or plastic. | |
Lathe Insert | Shape (CNMG, TNMG), Radius size | Turning, facing, and threading on a lathe. | |
Cold Saw Blade | TPI (Teeth Per Inch), Material thickness | High-precision cutting of industrial pipes and solid bars. |
Performance Metrics
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Surface Feet Per Minute (SFM): The speed at which the cutting edge moves across the material.
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Feed Rate: The distance the tool moves per revolution or per minute.
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Tool Life: Usually measured in the number of parts produced or minutes of "arc time" before the edge dulls beyond technical tolerances.