For some processing applications, off-the-shelf tools may be inadequate. Here is how to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve part quality with custom tool solutions.

Here is the main point of the article:

How is custom defined in carbide cutting tools?

How can the carbide cutting tool be customized?

How do you choose the right end mills from the carbide cutting tools?

1.How is custom defined in carbide cutting tools?

But what is a custom carbide cutting tool, and what makes it so special? Those who have processed hydraulic manifold will immediately think of the transplanting tool for producing SAE and MS-style fluid connections. Although not strictly customized (most are available in stock), these versatile knives are reamed, reamed, chamfered, and spotted in one operation and are a good example when a store takes a customized route. However, the term is used to describe the production of hydraulic elements far beyond this pillar. It may mean that an external groove cutter is inserted after chamfering the top of the groove to cut it. It can also be an extended length drill, an end mill with an additional flute or material-specific geometry, a shape mill for a special shape, a proprietary thread form, or a one-off version of the transplanting tool just described.

2. How can the carbide cutting tool be customized?

No matter what milling challenges you face, we have solutions for you! Whether it’s interpolation in a special form, milling taper, or maybe you’re just interested in a little tool for life, let’s give our expertise and experience to your legs for your carbide cutting tools. Rough machining, finishing, square, ox nose, ball, rounded corners, and chamfering are just a few types of carbide cutting tools that we can apply for you. Keyway, T-slot, and V-slot cutting tools are within our production capacity. With all our carbide cutting tools, cooling passes and coating options are available.

3. How do you choose the right end mills from the carbide cutting tools?

•   End mills have cutting teeth at both ends, allowing end cutting and peripheral cutting. The center cut type allows cross milling and cross milling.
•   Frontier: Select sharp edges for faster speed. Select radial edge to extend tool life.
•   Shank diameter: Select the largest available diameter to maximize rigidity and reduce axial deflection and flutter.
•   The number of slots: Select fewer slots for milling of softer materials at higher speeds and feed more chip space or when machine horsepower is limited.
•   Choose more grooves to mill harder material at a lower speed and feed or increase table feed using the same cutting speed.
•   Cutting diameter: Select the maximum actual diameter to maximize rigidity, reduce chatter, and improve tool life. If the machine spindle speed is limited, the maximum actual diameter allows for a higher cutting speed.
•   Flute axial relation: the straight flute is generally chosen.
•   Select the right spiral groove to improve cutting action and easier chip removal.
•   When the left spiral groove is selected to absorb the impact, it enters the steel workpiece to maintain constant downforce and minimize chatter.
•   Select high helix (15 or above) to significantly improve cutting action, finish, chip removal, and tool life. The high helix makes the impact load distribution more uniform throughout the tool rotation.

Despite the obvious limitations of custom knives, there is no shortage of shops that use them and manufacturers that produce them. We prefer manufacturing carbide cutting tools rather than client-supplied printing or are happy to design and build inserts, end mills, or whatever the client needs for applications from start to finish. Give us a message or give us a call to choose the right carbide cutting tools and start your next project.