What is a CNC Lathe Tool? Classification and Guide to Selecting Lathe Tools for Production

A CNC lathe tool is an indispensable component in the mechanical engineering industry, commonly used in CNC machines to machine metal parts with high precision. In this article, RX Tradex Vietnam elaborates on CNC lathe tools, their types, classification, and guidance on selecting suitable lathe tools for production.

1. Structure of a CNC Lathe Tool

A CNC lathe tool consists of two main parts: the shank and the cutting edge. The shank is typically made of high-hardness alloy steel to withstand strong impact forces. The cutting edge can be either attached to the shank or part of the shank itself, usually made of super-hard materials such as carbide or ceramics to ensure sharpness and durability during machining.

2. Materials Used for CNC Lathe Tools

Common materials for manufacturing CNC lathe tools include:

• High-Speed Steel (HSS): Commonly used for general machining applications with low cutting speeds.
• Carbide (tungsten carbide): The most popular material for CNC lathe tools due to its high heat resistance and hardness, suitable for high-speed cutting.
• Ceramics: Suitable for machining hard materials and offering good wear resistance but prone to cracking under strong impact forces.
• Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD): Used for machining non-metallic materials and aluminum alloys, offering the highest durability and longevity.

Choosing the appropriate material for CNC lathe tools is crucial for optimizing the machining process and ensuring the quality of the final product.

3. Types of CNC Lathe Tools

CNC lathe tools are diverse and designed to perform various tasks during machining. Below are the common types of CNC lathe tools:

• External Turning Tools: Used for machining the outer surface of a workpiece, featuring a long shank and outward-facing cutting edge.
• Threading Tools: Specialized for creating threads on a workpiece, either external or internal, with cutting edges designed for precise thread formation.
• Shoulder Turning Tools: Designed for machining shoulder surfaces, often featuring special cutting angles to create square or angled shoulders.
• Grooving and Parting Tools: Used for creating grooves on a workpiece surface or cutting the workpiece into smaller parts. Grooving tools have narrow, thin cutting edges designed for specific depth and width, while parting tools have thin, sharp edges for complete cuts through the workpiece.
• Boring Bars: Specialized for enlarging and smoothing pre-drilled or pre-turned holes, ensuring high precision. These tools are essential for precision machining, providing accurate and well-finished holes that meet stringent industrial requirements.
• Facing Tools: Used for machining the end surface of a workpiece, creating flat surfaces perpendicular to the workpiece axis.
• Forming Tools: Featuring specially shaped cutting edges to create complex shapes on a workpiece surface.

4. Other Classification Methods for Lathe Tools

Besides functional and positional classification, CNC lathe tools can also be categorized based on various other factors. These classifications help users select the most suitable lathe tools for specific machining requirements:

• By shape: Straight, curved, or spiral tools.
• By the number of cutting edges: Single-edge or multi-edge tools.
• By mounting type: Rigid or flexible mounts.
• By purpose: Roughing, finishing, or multipurpose tools.
• By cutting edge shape: Square, triangular, or round cutting edges.
• By size: Large or small lathe tools.

5. Selecting Suitable Lathe Tools for Your Needs

Choosing the right type of CNC lathe tool for specific machining requirements is crucial for enhancing machining performance and quality while prolonging tool life and reducing production costs. Consider the following factors:

• Material of the workpiece: Choose a tool material compatible with the workpiece material to ensure performance and tool life. Important characteristics include the workpiece material (carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic), hardness, and wear resistance.
• Tool shape: The shape of the tool plays a significant role in the cutting direction, including right-hand, left-hand, and round-nose tools. For high-precision components, select tools with high sharpness and stability.
• Machining conditions: Consider factors such as cutting speed, cutting force, and cooling conditions to select the appropriate tool.

6. Notes on Using Lathe Tools

To ensure effective and durable operation of CNC lathe tools, consider the following:

• Regular maintenance: Clean and inspect tools regularly to detect and address any damages promptly.
• Proper usage: Ensure accurate tool installation and adhere to guidelines for cutting speed and force.
• Cooling mode: Use appropriate cooling fluids to reduce heat and extend tool life.

7. Conclusion

Through this article, RX Tradex hopes businesses better understand the structure, materials, and classification of CNC lathe tools, aiding in effective tool selection and usage to enhance machining quality and performance. Additionally, RX Tradex organizes reputable international exhibitions in the manufacturing industry, such as METALEX Vietnam. Interested businesses can register to participate and explore the latest advanced welding and cutting technologies. Other exhibitions include NEPCON Vietnam, Vietnam Manufacturing Expo, and Waste and Recycling Vietnam, aiming to connect businesses within the industry.