There is no fixed value for the cutting life of CNC tools. The key factors are the tool material, processing object, and cutting parameters. There are clear reference ranges for roughing and finishing. It accurately meets the needs of commercial communication and customer inquiry answering. The core points are as follows:
1. Classification by tool base material (basic service life, under the same working conditions)
High-speed steel cutting tools (cobalt-containing version): Most commonly used. When cutting ordinary carbon steel / cast iron, the service life is 60-120 minutes; when cutting stainless steel / quenched and tempered steel, the service life is 30-60 minutes. They are mostly used for low-speed processing and forming tools.
Cemented carbide cutting tools (mainstream): The general-purpose type is used for cutting ordinary steel parts, with a service life of 180-400 minutes; ultra-fine grain cemented carbide is used for cutting hard materials (HRC45+), with a service life of 120-300 minutes; when processing stainless steel/high-temperature alloys, the service life is 80-180 minutes, and they are the main cutting tools for CNC machining.
Ceramic cutting tools (for high-hardness machining): When cutting cast iron / hardened steel (HRC55+), the service life is 400~800 minutes; when cutting high-temperature alloys, the service life is 200~400 minutes, only for finish machining / semi-finish machining, and not impact-resistant.
Diamond / CBN cutting tools (high-end): Diamonds cut non-ferrous metals (aluminum / copper) with a service life of 1000~3000 minutes; CBN cuts high-hardness steel / chilled cast iron with a service life of 800~2000 minutes. They have high costs and are suitable for high-requirement finishing.
