CNC turning is a machining process that allows you to shape metal parts using computer control. It can be used on both ferrous and nonferrous materials, and it’s an excellent alternative to manual turning. CNC lathes are typically more efficient than manual lathes because they can produce the same amount of work in less time. Lathe tools are used for shaping metal parts during this process, but many different kinds of lathe tools are available for different jobs.
This article will discuss the different lathe tools you can use for your projects. You can buy Used Okuma CNC machines for sale at a reasonable price. Lathe tools are used for shaping metal parts during this process, but many different kinds of lathe tools are available for different jobs. This article will discuss the different lathe tools you can use for your projects.
Table of Contents
Types Of Lathe Tools
There are various types of lathe tools, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common tool materials are listed below:
Carbon Steels
Carbon steel is a very common type of steel and is used in many applications. Carbon steels are made by adding carbon to iron and removing other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Carbon steels are used for making tools and dies and for many other applications. They are highly durable with good strength properties at room temperature but low strength at elevated temperatures (when compared to tool steels).
High-speed steel
High-speed steel (HSS) is made from a combination of tungsten and cobalt. It is used in tools that operate at the high speeds required to machine metal using CNC turning. It is more brittle than carbon steel but harder than carbide tools. HSS tools are also more expensive than carbide tools because they require less material to produce sharp edges and corners.
Cast cobalt alloys
Cast cobalt alloys are harder than high-speed steel and can be used in both roughing and finishing operations. They can cut hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and other materials.
Cast cobalt alloys are strong enough to cut through hardened steel without the need for water or coolants. This makes them ideal for applications that require precision cutting with high-speed feeds but cannot use coolants because of safety concerns or environmental regulations.
Carbides
Carbides are a type of tool that you can use in CNC turning to cut tough materials. These tools are often used in the tooling industry, as they are very hard and extremely durable. They’re also available in different shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose one that fits your project perfectly.
Cermets
Cermets are a combination of ceramic and metal, which makes them very hard and wear-resistant. They can be used at high speeds without losing their edge, making them ideal for high-speed cutting applications. However, they’re also more expensive than other types of lathe tools.
Cubic Boron Nitride
Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) is a hard, wear-resistant material. It can be used in high-volume production where the tool needs to last longer and have more surface area than traditional carbide tools. CBN tools are generally used with solid materials such as aluminum, brass, and bronze. They can also be used on softer metals like Titanium and Inconel by adding a coating of ceramics or other hard materials. CBN is highly resistant to thermal shock, allowing faster feed rates than standard HSS tooling without damaging your workpiece’s finish quality or edge geometry.
Final Thoughts
We’ve just scratched the surface here, but hopefully, you have a better idea of what kind of tools you might want to consider if you’re interested in CNC turning. As usual, the key thing is to know what type of material you’re working with and what kinds of cuts your tool will make. The next step is finding out whether or not those cuts are possible with the tools available at your disposal.
