Knowing the types of CNC lathe tools is essential for machinists to be able to produce quality parts with precision and accuracy. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, through-out this whole article, I will provide you with all the necessary information about CNC lathe tools. I will cover topics such as different types of CNC lathes, common lathe tool names, and their different uses in machining operations. So, let’s deep the toes in it.
Variations of CNC Lathe Tools
1. Boring Tool
The boring tool is one of the most important and versatile tools used in CNC machining. It is an essential part of any CNC machine, allowing users to create precise holes, slots, and pockets. The tool consists of a cutting blade that rotates around its axis at high speed, enabling it to drill deep into materials such as metal, wood, plastic, and composites.
Using the boring tool in CNC machining can lead to better accuracy and improved quality compared to manual methods. It enables users to create complex shapes with intricate details while maintaining tight tolerances. With a variety of sizes and shapes available, the boring tool can be used for almost any kind of drilling or hole-making application. It can even be used for remaining operations where extreme accuracy is required.
2. Chamfering Tool
A chamfering tool is one of the most commonly used tools for working with metals and other materials. It is a specialized tool that creates a bevel along the edges of metal surfaces or other materials. This bevel helps create smoother edges, while also adding strength to the overall piece. You can get it in many different shapes and sizes, depending on the application they are being used for.
Chamfer tools are typically composed of two parts.
Cutting Disc Orbit: The cutting disc orbit is designed to cut away material from an edge, creating a beveled shape as it moves along the surface.
Adjustable Guide Arm: The guide arm allows users to adjust the angle at which their cutting disc will move across the surface. This feature allows for precise control when creating different angles, resulting in smooth and consistent outcomes.
3. Turning Tool
The turning tool is a versatile and powerful tool used by professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike. It is often used to turn, shape, and hollow materials such as wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, and ceramics. This type of tool is one of the most important pieces of equipment for any carpenter or machinist because it allows them to work with various types of materials quickly.
The turning tool consists of a cutting head that rotates at high speeds around a stationary axis. The cutting head can be adjusted to different angles depending on the material being worked with. This makes it possible for workers to create complex shapes in a variety of materials without having to switch tools. In addition to its versatility, the turning tool also provides high levels of accuracy due to its ability to spin at precise speeds allowing detailed cuts or shapes with minimal effort.
4. Facing Tool
The Facing Tool is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you’re looking to improve the appearance of your home, or simply want an easy way to finish a project, the Facing Tool has you covered. This handy device features two blades that easily cut through any material whether it’s aluminum or something else, allowing you to quickly and accurately complete projects with ease.
Using the Facing Tool is simple and straightforward – just place it against whichever surface needs to be cut and press down on the handle. Its sharp blades will swiftly create perfect cuts in wood, plastic, or other materials without leaving any marks or debris behind. The adjustable handle allows you to customize the depth of your cuts as needed, making it perfect for precision work such as creating decorative shapes in cabinet doors or crafting intricate designs into furniture pieces.
5. Parting Tool
The primary purpose of parting tools is to create parts that need to be removed from a larger piece of material. This can include creating small details such as trim edges, slots, keyways, grooves, and tenons. Parting tools come in various sizes depending on the application and the material being worked on; some have adjustable blades for additional control over the depth and width of the cut. For any curved shapes that require precision cutting, it’s recommended to use a specialized pair of shears that are specifically designed for this task.
6. Counter Boring Tool
Counter boring is a machining process that is used to enlarge a pre-drilled hole to accommodate a part with an enlarged head. This process can be done manually or by using a Counter Boring Tool, which offers precise and repeatable results. The tool consists of two main components: the cutter and the arbor. The arbor serves as an extension for the drill bit and contains the cutting edges of the tool, while the cutter is mounted on top of it. It has several blades that are designed to remove material from the inside of the hole to create a smooth surface finish.
The Counter Boring Tool can be used for many different applications, including creating internal threads in drilled holes, increasing clearance between parts, and aligning components with each other during assembly. When used correctly, it helps improve quality control and reduce production costs associated with manual drilling processes.
How does the classification of CNC lathe tools vary from their materials?
In the previous section, I discussed some lathe tools name and type of CNC lathe. But, the classification of CNC lathe tools can be a complex process due to the various materials they are made from. Each tool is designed with its own unique purpose and it is important to understand how the material affects their performance. For example, a high-speed steel cutting tool has different characteristics than an alloyed carbide cutter.
High-speed steel cutting tools are popular for machining softer materials like aluminum and brass, but they are not suitable for use on harder materials such as stainless steel or titanium. Comparatively, carbide cutters provide superior wear resistance and heat resistance when used on hard metals while still offering quality results with softer materials. Additionally, ceramic cutting tools offer superior hardness and abrasive wear which makes them ideal for working with extremely hard metals such as tungsten or cobalt alloys.
Conclusion
CNC lathe tools are an essential part of the machining process. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, learning about the different lathe tools’ names, their types, and their uses is key to successful CNC machining. It’s important to research and invest in quality tools that will provide accurate results for whatever project you may be working on. With the right knowledge and resources, CNC machining can be one of the most rewarding experiences.
