In the world of modern mechanical machining, cutting tools constitute the absolute foundation of every production process. It is their quality, selection, and technical condition that determine whether we achieve a precise product or waste material and machine time. At TOKAR CNC Technology, we fully understand this relationship – that's why we share our knowledge about the key aspects of selecting and utilizing cutting tools.
A cutting tool is much more than just a "cutting element." It's a precisely engineered component that performs thousands of rotations per second, generating enormous temperatures and cutting forces. Its geometry, material, and coating must be perfectly matched to:
Milling is one of the most versatile machining methods, and proper mill selection determines the final result:
End mills are used for machining flat surfaces, creating grooves, and technical channels. In CNC production, they're invaluable when preparing mounting bases and contact surfaces.
Slot drills are the true "Swiss Army knives" of milling – from simple slots, through complex 3D pockets, to precise edge shaping. Used particularly often in producing parts with complex geometry.
Slitting saws specialize in cutting and slotting operations, ideally suited for creating keyways or cutting through material.
Angle cutters enable precise chamfering, corner machining, and creating inclined surfaces – essential in producing components requiring angled connections.
Although drilling may seem like a simple operation, choosing the right drill bit is extremely important:
Twist drills are the foundation of all machining – from small mounting holes to larger through-holes. Their spiral flutes ensure efficient chip evacuation.
Core drills specialize in creating large-diameter holes, particularly in difficult-to-machine materials – concrete, stone, or hardened steels.
Flat drills (also known as spade bits) work excellently in wood and plastics, where we don't need extreme precision.
Thread cutting is an operation requiring special attention – a poorly cut thread means a connection with reduced strength.
Hand taps in sets (taper, plug, and bottoming) allow for gradual thread formation with maximum control.
Machine taps in CNC machines ensure repeatability and speed – crucial in serial production.
Taper taps facilitate starting thread cutting, especially in through-holes.
Turning is one of the oldest and most fundamental machining methods, and modern turning tools represent the pinnacle of tool engineering:
Universal tools work well in most applications – from external turning of shafts, through surface finishing, to internal turning.
Form tools allow shaping of special geometries – grooves, undercuts, or complex profiles – in a single pass.
Indexable insert tools are now the standard in production – replacing a worn insert takes seconds and restores full cutting capability without the need to readjust the machine.
Honing tools represent the final stage of precision machining – they allow achieving mirror-finish surfaces and tolerances in the order of microns, essential for example in hydraulic cylinders.
Reamers guarantee precise hole finishing with the highest dimensional and geometric accuracy.
Broaching tools form complex internal and external cross-sections in a single pass – from splines to special profiles.
Choosing tool material is a fundamental decision affecting machining durability and efficiency.
A classic tool material that still has wide application thanks to its good price-to-performance ratio. HSS maintains hardness up to approximately 600°C, which is sufficient in many applications at moderate cutting speeds.
A revolution in cutting – carbides are 2-3 times harder than HSS and maintain properties even at 1000°C. This allows for much higher cutting speeds and longer tool life. At TOKAR CNC Technology, this is our primary choice for serial production.
Ceramic tools are specialists in dry machining and very high cutting speeds. Their exceptional temperature resistance (up to 1400°C) and wear resistance prove valuable in machining hardened steels and super-hard materials.
The royal tools of machining – natural or synthetic diamond ceramics offer the highest hardness of all known materials. Used in precision finishing and for highly abrasive materials.
Modern coatings are thin (2-10 μm) layers that dramatically increase tool capabilities:
TiN coating (titanium nitride) – characteristic golden color, increases hardness by 20-30% and reduces friction coefficient. Universal solution for most applications.
TiAlN coating (titanium-aluminum nitride) – purple-graphite coating with exceptional thermal resistance. Ideal for dry machining and hard materials. Can operate at temperatures up to 900°C.
Diamond coating (DLC) – used for machining non-ferrous materials and composites, ensures minimal adhesion of the workpiece material.
Multi-layer coatings – modern nano-coatings combining different materials in layered structures, achieving unique properties unavailable to single coatings.
At TOKAR CNC Technology, numerical control technology is the foundation of our operations. CNC not only increases precision – it completely changes the way we think about machining:
Repeatability – a once-programmed operation can be performed thousands of times with identical precision.
Complexity – geometries impossible to execute manually become standard.
Optimization – CAM systems analyze the optimal tool path, minimizing machining time and tool wear.
Monitoring – modern machining centers monitor cutting forces, vibrations, and tool wear in real-time, preventing failures and rejections.
Different materials require different approaches:
The machining parameter triangle consists of:
Even the best tool will quickly lose its properties without proper care:
Regular sharpening – a dull tool not only cuts worse but generates more heat and causes vibrations.
Proper storage – tools should be protected from moisture, impacts, and contamination.
Wear monitoring – systematic inspection allows replacing the tool before it causes rejection.
Parameter optimization – sometimes a slight adjustment of speed or feed extends life by 50%.
Cleaning – material residues and emulsion are the enemy of tool durability.
At our company, we fully understand that project success depends not only on machines but primarily on knowledge, experience, and proper tool selection. We treat each order individually, analyzing optimal technological solutions.
We offer:
Cutting tools are not just workshop equipment items – they are advanced high-tech products resulting from decades of materials engineering development and research into cutting processes. Proper selection of the tool, its material, coating, and operating parameters determines the quality of the final product, production efficiency, and manufacturing costs.
At TOKAR CNC Technology, we combine knowledge of tools with experience in CNC programming and deep understanding of machining processes. This combination allows us to execute even the most demanding projects with the highest precision and repeatability.
Have questions about CNC machining or need a project quote? Contact us – our specialists will gladly advise and help find the optimal solution for your application.
TOKAR CNC Technology – precision in every detail
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