Metal Cutting Tools wear and lose their sharpness as they are used over time; and eventually a time will come when they will become useless. Ensuring the time that they become useless come later rather than sooner should be the aim of a wise manufacturer because this will, among other benefits, help him to save money.
When the life of Metal Cutting tools is increased, there will be no need for frequent buying of new metal cutting tools for replacement.
Here are some expert tips to help you increase the life of your metal cutting tools:
1. Heat Control
Heat plays a very significant role in the lifespan of metal cutting tools. When two metals come together or continuously rub against each other with considerable force, heat is generated and this causes metal to wear out.
Heat plays a very significant role in the lifespan of metal cutting tools. When two metals come together or continuously rub against each other with considerable force, heat is generated and this causes metal to wear out.
Heat is generated by the speed at which the cutting tools cut into metals. John Mitchell, general manager of Tungaloy Canada opined that “As speed increases, tool life goes down and this is true with any material you are cutting and with any carbide you are using as an insert.”
Therefore, the aim of a manufacturer should be finding ways to reduce the heat generated during metal cutting. One of such ways is the use of oils and lubricants.
Oils and lubricants helps in:
a) Absorbing heat since they have specific heat capacity;
b) Reducing friction between metal surfaces thereby preventing wear and eventual damage of metal cutting tools due to continuous or increased friction;
c) Making the cutting tools cut smoothly with little or no hitch.
a) Absorbing heat since they have specific heat capacity;
b) Reducing friction between metal surfaces thereby preventing wear and eventual damage of metal cutting tools due to continuous or increased friction;
c) Making the cutting tools cut smoothly with little or no hitch.
2. Tool Design
The way a tool is designed can determine if it will have a long or short lifespan. According to Jim Garfield, regional sales manager, Canada, Horn USA, ‘Tools must be capable of achieving higher removal rates while exerting less stress on the spindle and tools must be capable of running in various secondary spindle applications where rigidity and horsepower may be challenged.’ Therefore, when designing metal cutting tools, it must be ensured that:
The way a tool is designed can determine if it will have a long or short lifespan. According to Jim Garfield, regional sales manager, Canada, Horn USA, ‘Tools must be capable of achieving higher removal rates while exerting less stress on the spindle and tools must be capable of running in various secondary spindle applications where rigidity and horsepower may be challenged.’ Therefore, when designing metal cutting tools, it must be ensured that:
a) They will be able to achieve higher metal removal with minimum spindle application;
b) They will be able to work on different spindle models;
c) They will be able to withstand the stress from the movement of the lead.
b) They will be able to work on different spindle models;
c) They will be able to withstand the stress from the movement of the lead.
3. Preparing the Edge
Preparing the edge means removing material from the side of a cutting tool. This plays a role in extending the life of metal cutting tools by strengthening the edge and minimizing edge chipping. Furthermore, preparing the edge helps balance the toughness and balance of the cutting tool.
Preparing the edge means removing material from the side of a cutting tool. This plays a role in extending the life of metal cutting tools by strengthening the edge and minimizing edge chipping. Furthermore, preparing the edge helps balance the toughness and balance of the cutting tool.
4. Coating the inserts
You already know that heats plays a damaging role on cutting tools and that you have to find ways to reduce heat. Coating the inserts is another way of preventing the metal from extreme heating. Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) are the two most popular or main coatings that cutting tools manufacturers use.
You already know that heats plays a damaging role on cutting tools and that you have to find ways to reduce heat. Coating the inserts is another way of preventing the metal from extreme heating. Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) are the two most popular or main coatings that cutting tools manufacturers use.
