BEYOND CUTTING TOOL QUALITY

Heat, cleanliness, and more

By Roger Bouffard, Normand Specialist in Cutting Tools

Each application requires a proper analysis to choose the best-suited cutting tool for the task. Using the right cutting tool will save you time and money depending on the machine’s brand, the material being processed, and the shape of the surfaces in question. A well-thought-out choice will allow you to get the greatest performance out of your CNC machining centre.

BEWARE OF THE HEAT

Heat is a destructive element for the cutting edge of a tool, and it is, therefore, essential to have the correct parameters to avoid any unnecessary friction. When in operation, the tool must evacuate chips rather than dust. The reason for this is that the chip carries heat with it. If the chip is too thin, the feed rate should be increased until the finishing quality is no longer acceptable. Subsequently, the speed should be gradually reduced to match. This will ensure that the highest possible output is obtained from the tool.

Our representatives can assist you in choosing your next tools by advising you on the different feed and rotation speeds that will prolong the life of your tooling without sacrificing the finishing process.

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO CLEANLINESS

The chucks and collets used to fit the cutting tools on a machine are of paramount importance as they constitute the mandatory transmission path to achieve the precision expected from your machining centre.

The chucks must always be clean and tidy, using specialized products that do not contain petroleum. The chucks and spring collets should never have traces of resin, rust, or signs of damage caused by shocks. It’s important to know that the life span of a spring collet is typically between 500 and 700 working hours.

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