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KHow to choose the right metal cutting tool for a specific material?

Choosing the right one metal cutting tool It depends on the material you are processing. This will ensure optimal performance, long tool life, and quality material processing. In this article, we will look at the main criteria for choosing a tool depending on the material you are processing.

1. Type of material and its properties

Different materials have specific characteristics that require the appropriate type of cutting tool. Here are a few examples:

• Stainless steel – Hard and viscous material that requires tools with special coatings (e.g. PVD or CVD) and optimized geometry to reduce thermal stress. → See our stainless steel tools
• Aluminum and light alloys – Soft materials where it is important to use tools with high cutting ability and anti-stick coatings (e.g. TiN or DLC). → Explore our aluminum tools
• Cast iron – A brittle material that works best with carbide cutting tools and specific chip removal geometry. → Buy cast iron processing tools
• Titanium alloys – They require high-performance tools with heat-resistant coatings and specific geometry to minimize friction. → The best solutions for titanium alloys
• Hardened steels (>45 HRC) – Need for CBN (cubic boron nitride) or ceramic cutting inserts for effective machining. → Tools for processing hardened steels

2. Tool material selection

Depending on the material being processed and the type of operations, the choice of tool material is essential:

• High-speed steel (HSS) – Suitable for general machining, especially at lower cutting speeds. Read more about HSS and carbide tools on Wikipedia.
• Carbide tools – They are used at high speeds and heavy loads, ensuring long life and accuracy. → See our range of carbide tools
• Ceramic tools – Recommended for processing hardened steels and materials with high wear resistance.
• PCD and CBN tools – Suitable for ultra-precision machining of non-ferrous metals and hardened materials.

3. Tool geometry and design

The geometry of the tool affects its productivity and machining quality:

• Sharp cutting edge – Suitable for soft materials such as aluminum.
• Large cutting surface – Preferred choice when processing hard materials.
• Specific chip channel shape – Optimizes chip removal and prevents clogging.

4. Choosing appropriate cutting modes

The correct speeds and feeds depend on the tool and material:

• Cutting speed (Vc) – Depends on the tool type and material (for example, carbide tools allow higher speeds than HSS).
• Submission (f) – It must be taken into account the hardness of the material and the geometry of the tool.
• Cutting depth (ap) – Affects tool load and machining quality.

5. Coatings and their importance

Different coatings improve the durability and performance of the tool:

• TiN (titanium nitride) – Universal coating suitable for HSS tools.
• TiAlN (titanium aluminum nitride) – Suitable for carbide tools and work at high temperatures.
• DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) – Ideal for processing aluminum and non-ferrous metals.
• CBN and PCD coatings – For ultra-precision applications in the processing of hard and non-ferrous metals.

Conclusion

The selection of the right cutting tool depends on the material being machined, the tool geometry, the tool material, and the appropriate cutting conditions. By considering these factors, you can achieve optimal productivity and long tool life, which will improve the quality of the machined parts and reduce tool replacement costs. → Explore our full range of metal cutting tools