Choosing the right cutting tools for CNC machining molds directly affects machining accuracy, production efficiency, and overall costs. As professional suppliers, we have summarized a set of simple and practical selection ideas based on actual machining scenarios to help you quickly make appropriate choices.
Ⅰ. First, look at these 3 key points when selecting a model
1.Workpiece materials
For soft materials (aluminum, copper, plastic), high-speed steel tools can be selected;
For ordinary mold steels (P20, 718), cemented carbide tools are preferred;
For high-hardness materials such as hardened steel and titanium alloys, high-hardness coated or ceramic tools must be used.
2.Processing Technology
For roughing, which prioritizes efficiency, round-nose end mills and wave-edge milling cutters are selected;
For semi-finishing and finishing, which focus on surface finish, ball nose cutters and flat-bottom cutters are mostly used;
For corner cleaning and narrow grooves, small-diameter milling cutters are chosen to ensure precision.
3.Processing conditions
High rotation speed and high feed rate require the cutting tools to be heat-resistant and wear-resistant;
For deep cavity and long overhang machining, short-edge and high-rigidity cutting tools are preferred to reduce tool vibration and breakage.
II. How to Choose Common Cutting Tools
●Cemented carbide tools: They have strong versatility, are wear-resistant and heat-resistant, suitable for processing most die steels, and are the mainstream choice in workshops.
●High-speed steel tools: They have low cost and good toughness, and are mostly used for soft materials such as aluminum and plastics, as well as for drilling and tapping.
●Ceramic/diamond tools: They are suitable for high-hardness materials and high surface finish requirements, with high precision but higher cost, and should be selected as needed.
III. Practical Suggestions for Purchasing
●Prioritize tools with strong stability and consistent service life to reduce tool change and downtime.
●Don't just focus on the unit price; pay more attention to the comprehensive costs such as tool life, processing efficiency, and scrap rate.
●For complex materials and working conditions, you can first conduct sample testing before purchasing in bulk.
