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CNC Cutting Tools: Categories and Features

CNC cutting tools can be divided into two main groups: traditional tools and modular tools. Modular tools are the tools of progress.

The chief benefits of modular tools include reducing tool modification downtime, developing production and processing time, speeding up tool alteration and installation time, reducing the cost of small batch production, and developing the grade of standardization and rationalization of the instrument.

Other advantages include advancing controlling and flexible processing instrument levels, expanding the use of the tool, providing complete play to the performance of the CNC cutting tool, and efficiently removing disruptions.

In fact, due to the modules of the expansion of the tool, the CNC tool has three classifications: the turning tool system, the system of drilling tools and the boring and milling cutter system.

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CNC Cutting Tools Cutting Process Grouping

The CNC cutter, from the cutting process, can be divided into the following features: the turning tool is remarkably round, has external threaded insertions, interior threading insertions, grooving, a hirth ring groove, and a cut off. CNC lathe engine usually uses standard file indexable cutting tools.

The engine file indexable cutter blade and cutter body has a standard blade element with carbide-covered concreted and high speed steel.

The CNC lathe engine file can transfer the bit tool to a cylinder-shaped device, exterior thread device, internal circle device, internal thread device, cutting device hole processing device (together with the center hole drills, boring tools, taps, etc.). Engine clip indexable tool holding throwaway films are typically screws, securing the pressure plate, bar pin or wedge configuration.

CNC Cutting Tool Characteristics

To make them more effective and easier to change out compared to CNC machining instruments, metal cutting tools should have a universal blade and knife holder as well as standardized serialization. The toughness of the blade contributes to the financial value of the cutter.

The standardization of the tool’s geometric parameters and cutting parameters, the blade elements and cutting parameters and the element being processed should match each other.

The instrument should be highly accurate, including the correctness of the shape of the tool, the accuracy of the site of the blade and shaft of the machine tool spindle, and the blade and hilt translocation and disassembly recurrence accurateness.

Shaft power, stiffness and attire resistance are superior. The fitted load of the tool holder or tool system is restricted. The site and alignment of the blade and shaft cut have definite necessities. The blade, hilt tracing datum and automatic device modification system should be optimized.

 

Ref: cncci.com

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Manual Machining Vs. CNC Lathe Machining – Choose One

Place a few machine operators together in a room, ask them to discuss the pros and cons of a manual lathe as opposed to CNC lathe machining, and then close the door.

What you will discover and hear is an intense discussion and much debate about which one is better!

If one doesn’t come back after five hours, the argument will still be intense when one opens that door again!

The question is not whether a CNC milling machine is fundamentally superior or inferior to a standard manual lathe machine–both are simply gears that help a technician get the job done.

The only important issue is what job that needs to be completed? It all goes back to the old adage that one must use the right tools for the job.

Right or Wrong: CNC Lathe Machining or Manual?

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It’s not a matter of which is better, it’s a matter of the work at hand!  There are a sequence of instances in which it makes boundlessly more sense to use a completely automatic CNC machining center (for the record, “CNC” stands for “Computer Numerical Control,” which is an impressive way of saying CPU operated) instead of a manual mill.

If one has received an order for a high number of undistinguishable entities, then using a CNC lathe to agitate them out is the only rational technique to use: one can lock the design into ones CNC lathe device, flip a button, and then leave the engine for hours or even overnight knowing that by the morning the command will be accomplished.

Nevertheless, there are other times when using a manual lathe machine might create much more logic.

One such case is when one has only one object to make. If one works in a machining midpoint that typically deals with minor, specialty commands, then the time one spends setting up the programming of a multifaceted vertical machining midpoint to complete a one-time job may take as much time as using a manual mill!

Similarly, even if one discovers CNC lathe machining techniques at a prodigious value, they are still much costlier than manual milling machines.

Thus,a careful cost-benefit analysis must be done before deciding how to prepare ones machining midpoint. The one debatable shortcoming to using manual lathe machines over CNC lathes is if the operator is a less experienced machinist.

Ref: cncci.com

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Know Your Machine: CNC Machine Tool 101

A CNC user must be familiar with the makeup of the CNC machine tool being applied. Despite the fact that this may sound like a straightforward declaration, a CNC user must be able to observe the machine from two dissimilar viewpoints.

Want to know more about CNC? Read in our blog over here.

Many kinds of CNC machines are envisioned as a way to enhance or replace what is currently being done with more conservative machines. The principal goal of any CNC learner should be to understand the basic machining exercise that goes into using CNC machine tools.

vThe more the starter CNC user knows about basic machining application, the easier it will be to regulate CNC machines.

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Think of it as this technique. If you know basic machining application as it relates to the CNC machine you will be occupied with, you must also know what it is you want the machine to do. It will be a reasonably simple matter of information to tell the CNC machine what it is you want it to do (knowledge program). This is why technicians are usually the best CNC programmers, experts, and setup personnel. Mechanics already know what it is the engine will be doing. It will be a simple matter of transferring what they already know to the CNC machine.

For example, a novice to CNC turning centers should comprehend the basic machining practice related to turning operations like lump-filled and finish turning, rough and finish boring, grooving, threading, and necking.

In the meantime, this kind of CNC machine can perform many operations in a single program (for instance many CNC machines can), the learner must also know the fundamentals of how to process work fragments machined by rotation, so an arrangement of machining operations can be advanced for work-pieces to be machined.

Another point cannot be overlooked. Demanding to learn about a particular CNC machine without understanding the rudimentary machining exercise related to the machine would be like trying to learn how to fly an aircraft without understanding aerodynamics and aeronautics.

Just as a novice pilot will be in for a great number of dilemmas without understanding aerodynamics, so will the beginner CNC user have trouble learning how to correctly use CNC equipment without an understanding of basic machining workout.

So always know what you are dealing with first.

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Motion Control – The Core of CNC Machines

The most rudimentary function of any core of CNC machine is automatic, accurate, and steady motion control. Rather than applying totally mechanical devices, as is obligatory on most conventional machine tools, CNC machines let you control motion in a groundbreaking manner.

All methods of CNC equipment have two or more ways of motion, called axes. These axes can be exactly and automatically positioned along their distances of travel. The two most common axis kinds are linear (driven alongside a straight path) and rotary (driven along a spherical path).

As an alternative to causing motion by rotating cranks and hand wheels as is required on orthodox machine tools, CNC machines let motion be controlled through programmed commands. Generally speaking, the motion type (rapid, linear, and spherical), the movement of the axes, the quantity of motion and the motion rate (feed-rate) are programmable with just about all CNC machine tools.

 

Precise positioning is accomplished by the machinist counting the number of revolutions completed on the hand wheel plus the advancements on the dial. The drive motor revolves at a corresponding rate, which in turn pushes the ball screw, causing linear motion of the axis. A feedback device ensures that the proper sum of ball screw revolutions have ensued.

A rather basic analogy, the same basic linear motion can be found on a usual table vise. As you swap the vise crank, you rotate a lead screw that drives the movable jaw on the vise. By assessment, a linear axis on a CNC machine tool is very precise. The number of revolutions of the axis drive motor accurately controls linear motion along the axis.

The program zero point ensures the point of orientation for motion commands in a CNC program. This lets the programmer specify movements from a common location. If program zero is selected wisely, it typically organizes the information needed for the program so it can be taken straight from the print.

With the illustrations given so far, all points happened to be up and to the right of the program zero point. This area up and to the right of the program zero point is known as a quadrant (in this case, quadrant number one). It is not rare on CNC machines that end points wanted within the program fall in other quadrants. When this occurs, at least one of the coordinates must be stated as minus.

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The CNC Program – Commanding The Machine

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Almost all present CNC program controls use a word address arrangement for programming. The only exclusions to this are certain conversational controls. By the word address format, we indicate that the CNC program is made of sentence-like commands.

Each command is fabricated of CNC words. Each CNC word has a letter address and an arithmetical value. The letter address (X, Y, Z, etc.) tells the control the kind of word and the mathematical value tells the control the value of the word. Cast-off like words and sentences in the English language versus in a CNC command tell the CNC machine what we are requesting to do at the current time.

One very good analogy to what happens in a CNC program is found in any step-by-step instructions. Say, for instance, you have some visitors coming from out of town to visit your business. You need to write down directions to get from the local airport to your business.

To do so, you must first be able to visualize the path from the airport to your business. You will then, in consecutive order, write down one direction at a time. The person following your directions will perform the first step and then go on to the next up until he or she reaches your business.

In a comparable manner, a manual CNC programmer should be able to imagine the machining operations that will occur during the execution of the program. Then and there, in step by step order, the computer programmer will give a set of commands that make the machine act accordingly.

However, slightly off the topic at hand, we wish to make a point about imagining. Just as the person giving travel directions MUST be able to imagine the path taken, so MUST the CNC computer operator be able to visualize the actions the CNC machine will be making BEFORE a program can be successfully established.

Without this visualization capability, the programmer will not be able to develop the movements in the program properly. This is one reason why machinists make the best CNC users. A knowledgeable operator should be able to easily imagine any machining operation taking place.

Just as each brief travel instruction will be made up of one sentence, so will each direction given within a CNC program be made up of one command.  While the travel instruction sentence is made up of words (in English), so is the CNC command made of CNC words (in CNC language).

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Understanding Interpolation

Want to understand more about interpolation? Say, for example, you wish to move only one linear axis in a command. Say you request to move the X axis to a location one inch to the right of program zero.

In this circumstance, the command X1 would be used (assuming the total mode is instated). The machine would move along a flawlessly straight line during this drive (since only one axis is moving).

Now let’s say you wish to include a Y axis movement to a location one inch overhead program zero in Y (with the X movement). We’ll say you are trying to machine a tapered or chamfered exterior of your work piece in this command.

For the regulator to move along a flawlessly straight line to get to the programmed finish point, it must flawlessly synchronize the X and Y axis actions. Likewise, if machining is to happen during the motion, a motion rate (feed-rate) must also be stated. This needs linear interpolation.

 

Throughout linear interpolation commands, the control will exactly and automatically calculate a series of very small single axis departures, keeping the tool as close to the programmed linear path as possible. With today’s CNC machine tools, it will seem that the machine is moving in a perfectly straight line of motion.

Other Interpolation Forms

Dependent on the machine’s application, you may find that you have other interpolation forms available. For a second time, CNC control builders try to make it as easy as possible to program their controls. If an application needs a special kind of movement, the control builder can give the applicable interpolation type.

For example, many machining center users do thread milling operations on their machines. Throughout thread milling, the machine must change in a circular manner along two axes (usually X and Y) at the similar time a third axis (usually Z) moves in a linear way.

This allows the helix of the thread to be correctly machined. This motion looks like a strengthening motion (though the range of the spiral remains constant).

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The Fundamentals of Computer Numerical Control Machine Tools

Despite the fact that the exact purpose and application for CNC Computer Numerical Control machine tools and machines vary from one machine category to another, all forms of CNC have some shared benefits. However, the purpose of our site is to teach you about CNC usage, so it helps to know why these intellectual machines have turned out to be so widely held. Here are a few of the most vital benefits delivered by CNC equipment.

The most important advantage offered by all types of CNC Computer Numerical Control machine tools is improved automation. The operator’s participation related to engineering work-pieces can be reduced or ended. Countless CNC Computer Numerical Control machine tools & machines can run unattended during the course of their whole machining cycle, freeing the operator to handle other tasks. This gives the CNC user more than a few extra benefits such as reduced operator tiredness, fewer mistakes caused by human error, and dependable and foreseeable machining time for each work-piece.

For the time being, the machine will be running with program control, the necessary skill level of the CNC operator (related to basic machining exercise) is also reduced as compared to an operator producing work-pieces with conservative machine tools.

 

The following major benefit of CNC machinery is dependability and precise work-pieces. Today’s CNC Computer Numerical Control tools and machines claim incredible accuracy and replication specifications. This means that as soon as a program is confirmed, two, ten, or one thousand indistinguishable work-pieces can easily be manufactured with precision and reliability.

A third benefit of CNC Computer Numerical Control machine tools is flexibility. As these machines are run from programs, running a different work-piece is nearly as easy as installing a different program. As soon as a program has been verified and implemented for one production run, it can be recalled without problems the next time the work-piece is to be run.

This leads to yet another benefit, faster change-overs. Meanwhile, these machines are very cool to setup and run, and since programs can be effortlessly loaded, they allow very short setup time. This is vital with today’s Just-In-Time product delivery requirements.

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Setting Up A Bar Puller

Do you want to learn more about how to set up a bar puller on a CNC machine? There are three types of turning work: chucking work, shaft work, and bar work. Turning centers differ when it comes to which kind of turning work they do best. There are turning centers that have been precisely designed for one of these three types.

Here are the over-all steps essential for bar pulling.

  • For preliminary setup: Set the bar puller in a turret station.
  • Set the bar in the spindle.
  • Manually load the bar end to spread from the chuck jaws.
  • Decide the program zero assignment values (geometry counterbalances for Fanuc) for the bar puller.
  • For the following bar, only phases 2 and 3 need to be done.

 

How a Bar Puller Works?

This device is attached in the turret of the turning center and uses axis motion to occupy and advance the bar. The bar being used as raw material is positioned in the spindle. This means, certainly, that the turning center should have a hole from the beginning to end of the spindle.

Note that some turning centers have a draw bar (contrasted with a draw tube) to open and close the chuck. Machines with draw bars cannot be used for bar work (devoid of replacing the work holding device with one that uses a draw tube). The whole bar must be bounded by the spindle. On no account should the bar be allowed to extend past the rear end of the spindle. This means that the bar should be cut to a length that will be suitable in the spindle, usually about three feet long.

Universal CNC turning centers usually come with a three-jaw chuck for work holding. This will let chucking work be done. They’ll also take a tailstock to support long work pieces – which obviously allows shaft work to be done. But most universal turning centers don’t come with whatever that allows them to complete bar work. These machines deliver no way to advance the bar during the machining cycle.

 

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FAQ

Understanding the parts of a toolholder:

When working with CNC Machines it is important to understand the parts of a toolholder and what they do in order to maximize manufacturing and efficiency. There are four parts to a toolholder:

Pull Studs: The job of a pull stud is to hold the toolholder in the spindle. Should the pull stud wear down, it can create a dangerous environment by flying out of the spindle during use.

Taper: The top of the taper holds the pull stud and is shaped like a cone. When changing a tool the taper enters the spindle.

V-Flange: The v-flange is recognized by the “V” engraved on the outside of the tool holder and is clamped onto the automatic tool changer when the tool is rotated from the tool changer to the spindle and back.

Collet Pocket, Collet and Nut: The collet enters the collet pocket which is fastened by the collet nut.

Why is it necessary to replace toolholders?

It is necessary to replace toolholders because when they become worn down through use they can damage the spindle which may become costly and cause cutting tool failure.

Why has my cutting quality been reduced?

Your spindle may be bellmouthing which will decrease cutting accuracy and quality. The spindle should be reviewed by the operator and replaced or repaired. The taper should also be checked for any damages. If the taper seems damaged, the machine use should be discontinued until it is replaced.

Collet maintenance:

Collets need to be replaced more often than toolholders because of the softer metal they are made from. It is imperative to replace these parts when they become worn because they can cause premature cutting tool failure which will become expensive. Checking the outside of the collet for markings or damage and replacing them when scoring is evident will maintain the cutting tool and toolholder.

 

 

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