CNC machining tools are used are to form material into custom parts and designs.
A CNC machine is well-known for its versatility. It can accommodate a wide range of CNC cutting tools for shaping material into different sizes and shapes.
CNC Machining Tools Materials
CNC machining tools must be made from hard material to be able cut through solid workpiece during the machining process.
Some of those are:
Carbon Steel
Contains 0.6–1.5% carbon and may also include other alloys such as manganese, silicon, and copper. It is widely used in general-purpose CNC tools.
Looking for the Right Cutting Tool for Your CNC Process?
Whatever CNC machine tool you're running, the right cutting tool makes the difference in tolerance, finish and tool life. Talk to ASIME about a custom PCD or CBN tooling solution for your process.
HSS Steel
High speed steel consist of tungsten, molybdenum and chromium. It is typically harder and tougher than carbon steel.
Carbide
Carbide CNC tools are wear- and heat-resistant, delivering excellent surface finishes—perfect for high-performance CNC machine tooling.
Diamond
Diamond is usually used as a coating. Being the hardest material to date, it is most suitable for cutting highly abrasive pieces.
Different Types of CNC Machining Tools
CNC tools comes in various types. The following are some of the most common tools used in CNC machine tooling:
End Mill
The most common tool for vertical CNC machining is the end mill. End mills can remove a large amount of material in a short amount of time.
Face Mill
Face mill has a solid body that holds multiple carbide inserts, which are typically made of carbide.
The typical CNC machine tooling function of face mill is to create flat sections on the workpiece.
Looking for the Right Cutting Tool for Your CNC Process?
Whatever CNC machine tool you're running, the right cutting tool makes the difference in tolerance, finish and tool life. Talk to ASIME about a custom PCD or CBN tooling solution for your process.
Thread Mill
Thread mill can cut internal or external threads and may be more effective than taps at penetrating extremely hard metals or asymmetrical parts.
Drill Bit
Drill bit is is made up of a shaft and a cutting edge to drill holes in the workpiece.
Operators use various drill bits with CNC machines to perform various cutting operations.
Reamer
Reamer’s function is to enlarge existing holes in a workpiece, resulting in an exact hole diameter and an excellent surface finish.
Reamers are CNC cutting tools have much tighter tolerances than other cutting tools when it comes to creating holes.
Comparison of Common CNC Machine Tools
See which cutting tools pair with each CNC process, then talk to ASIME about a custom tooling solution for your production line.
| CNC Machine Type | Primary Function | Typical Materials | Recommended Cutting Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Milling Machine | Multi-axis milling | Aluminium | Steel | Plastics | PCD | Carbide | CBN |
| CNC Lathe | Turning operations | Steel | Stainless Steel | Cast Iron | CBN | Carbide | Form Tools |
| CNC Grinding Machine | High-precision finishing | Hardened Steel | Carbide | Diamond Grinding Tools |
| CNC EDM Machine | Spark erosion machining | Conductive Metals | EDM Electrodes |
| CNC Router | Cutting non-metal materials | Wood| Plastics | Composites | PCD Diamond Tools |
| CNC Drilling Machine | Hole making | Steel| Aluminium | Cast Iron | Carbide Drills | PCD Drills |
Why Cutting Tool Selection Matters for CNC Machining
While CNC machines provide precise movement and automation, machining performance depends heavily on selecting the appropriate cutting tool. Factors such as workpiece material, cutting speed, required surface finish and machining tolerance all influence which tooling solution delivers the best results.
For demanding machining applications, custom PCD & CBN tools and MCD diamond tools can significantly improve machining accuracy, extend tool life and reduce production costs.
Get Custom CNC Machining Tools from Asime
ASIME is an ISO certified cutting tool manufacturer, and we can assist you in creating custom CNC machine tools that meet your specifications.
Are you ready to to make your own custom parts? Contact us right away!
Suggested read: How to Produce Precision CNC Machining Parts
