The performance and life of cutting tools are affected by many factors, including tool material, coating, grinding angle, arc, chip relief design, rotation speed and feed rate, etc. These factors jointly determine the performance of the tool during processing, which in turn affects production efficiency, processing quality and cost. Below we will explore the impact of these factors on production one by one.
Tool material
Impact: The tool material determines its hardness, toughness, wear resistance and heat resistance. High hardness and wear resistance increase tool life, while heat resistance affects tool performance in high-speed cutting.
Examples: tungsten carbide (tungsten carbide), high-speed steel, ceramics, cubic boron nitride (CBN) and diamond (PCD), etc.
Coating
Impact: Coating can enhance the wear resistance of the tool, reduce the friction coefficient, and improve the heat resistance of the tool. This allows the tool to operate at higher cutting speeds, extending tool life.
Examples: titanium aluminum nitrogen (TiAlN), titanium nitrogen (TiN), aluminum nitride (AlN), etc.
Grinding angle and arc
Impact: Grinding angle (such as rake angle, relief angle) and tool tip curvature have an important impact on the cutting performance of the tool. Proper angle can reduce cutting forces, improve chip evacuation, and reduce workpiece surface damage.
Adjustment: Different processing materials and processing conditions require different grinding angles and arcs.
Chip relief design
Impact: The design of the chip relief affects the chip evacuation efficiency and the thermal management of the tool. Good chip relief can prevent chip clogging and tool overheating and improve processing efficiency.
Design: Depending on the material being processed (such as steel, aluminum or plastic), the shape and size of the chip relief needs to be optimized.
Speed and feed
Impact: Speed and feed directly affect cutting speed, processing time and surface quality. Too high or too low rotational speed and feed rate will cause the tool to wear faster or even be damaged, and may affect the processing quality.
Adjustment: The speed and feed should be accurately adjusted according to the tool material, coating type, workpiece material and processing requirements.