Understanding Cutting Tools: Types, Properties, and Applications

Cutting tools are indispensable components in machining and manufacturing processes, utilized to cut, shape, and form a wide range of materials. These tools are installed in machine tools to perform the main machining operations. This article explores the different types of cutting tools and their respective properties, providing a comprehensive guide for those seeking to understand the nuances of cutting tool technology.

What are Cutting Tools?

Cutting tools perform the primary machining operations, transforming raw materials into desired shapes and sizes. These tools are typically made of materials that are harder than the material to be cut, ensuring they can effectively remove material without degrading themselves. Cutting tools are classified into single-point cutting tools and multipoint cutting tools, depending on the number of cutting edges they possess.

Single Point Cutting Tools

Single point cutting tools, also known as single-point tools, feature a single cutting edge designed to cut a continuous path. This type of cutting tool is versatile and used in a variety of machining operations. Examples of single-point cutting tools include:

Multi-Point Cutting Tools

Multipoint cutting tools, on the other hand, have multiple cutting edges, allowing them to perform more complex and precise machining operations. Examples include:

Types of Cutting Tools and Their Properties

There are several types of cutting tools available in the market, each designed for specific applications and materials. Let's explore the most common types and their properties:

Carbon Tool Steel

Carbon tool steel is an economical choice for low-speed machining operations. It is known for its durability and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for general-purpose machining tasks.

High Speed Steel (HSS)

High speed steel (HSS) is an upgraded form of carbon tool steel, featuring higher carbon content and alloying elements such as tungsten, molybdenum, and chromium. These elements enhance the tool's hardenability, toughness, and wear resistance, making it ideal for high-speed cutting operations.

Cemented Carbide

Cemented carbide is a composite material consisting of WC (tungsten carbide), TaC (tantalum carbide), and TiC (titanium carbide) with cobalt (Co) as a binder. This type of tool is used extensively in metallurgy, offering excellent hardness, wear resistance, and dimensional stability. In some cases, when the binder is nickel (Ni) or molybdenum (Mo), it is referred to as cermet.

Ceramic Tools

Ceramic tools are made by compacting ceramic material into insert shapes and sintering them at high temperatures. Common ceramic materials include aluminum oxide and silicon nitride. These tools are characterized by their chemical inertness and resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for machining a wide range of materials.

Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN)

Cubic boron nitride (CBN) is the second hardest material after diamond. It is commonly used in hand-held machines and grinding wheels. CBN tools offer high resistance to abrasion and are particularly effective in machining wear-resistant materials.

Diamond Tools

Diamond tools are the hardest known materials and are highly valuable due to their exceptional properties. These properties include high thermal conductivity, high melting point, excellent abrasion resistance, low friction coefficient, and low thermal expansion. Diamond tools are used extensively in machining extremely hard materials such as carbides, nitrides, glass, etc. They provide excellent surface finish and dimensional accuracy, making them a critical component in precision machining operations.

For those seeking high-quality cutting tools, Crafttech Cutting Tools in Bhubaneswar offers a wide range of precision-cut, high-quality tungsten carbide rotary burrs and other cutting tools. Their dedication to manufacturing and supplying premium cutting tools ensures that manufacturers and machine operators have the tools they need to perform their tasks effectively and efficiently.

Visit their social channels to learn more about their products and services. Their tools are designed to withstand the rigorous demands of various machining operations, making them a reliable choice for professionals in the field.