One of the most common manufacturing processes today is the use of precision metal cutting tools.
As a machinist, it is essential that you know how to care for and maintain your CNC metal cutting tools so they can produce the highest quality parts.
Care Tips for Your Precision Metal Cutting Tools
Keeping your cutting tools in good condition is not just a matter of cutting costs.
It is a matter of precision and accuracy, which is why regular maintenance of your metal cutting tools is so important.
Here are some tips for cutting tools maintenance:
Use the correct cutting tool
The first tip is making sure you have the right cutting tool for the machining job.
If you try to cut something with a cutting tool that isn’t designed for it, it might not work as well as it should.
For example, if you try to cut a metal without the proper cutting tool, the metal may chip or break rather than being cut cleanly and evenly.
You can find out what kind of metal you are working with by checking its density.
Heavier metals are harder to work with and require more power from your tooling, which can result in overheating or premature wear.
The good news is that there are many different types of cutting tools material, so there is most likely one that will work best for your needs.
Avoid from overheating
Secondly, you would want to avoid your cutting tools from overheating.
Heat can shorten the life of cutting tools.
Metal machining generates a lot of heat due to friction between the cutting tool and the metal being cut.
Therefore, heat control is critical when using a precision metal cutting tool.
That is why, when using a precision metal cutting tool, it is important to always use oil or lubricants to minimize friction.
Do regular inspection for wear and tear
Next tip is to make sure that you inspect your tool regularly for wear and tear.
If a tool becomes damaged or worn out, it could cause issues.
For example, if a tool is worn down, it may not cut as well as it should, which can lead to mistakes or accidents during use.
The tool could also break during use if it’s not in good condition.
To avoid these situations, check your tools regularly for signs of damage or wear and replace them when necessary.
Clean precision metal cutting tools properly
When you’re working with precision metal cutting tools like drill bits and milling cutters, it’s important to keep them clean and free from rust.
Cleaning your metal cutting tools properly will extend their life and reduce the risk of injury due to dull edges or broken tips.
Here are some tips on how to do it:
You may use compressed air to blow out any chips or debris from your tool’s cutting edge.
This will help keep it sharp for longer.
You can also apply a light coating of oil to the tool’s cutting edges after cleaning with compressed air.
This helps prevent rust from forming on the surface of your tool as well as keeping it lubricated so that it cuts smoothly and easily.
Keep cutting tools in dry place
Prevent rust by storing your cutting tools in a dry place.
Rust can cause serious damage and ruin the quality of your cutting tool.
So, it’s best to keep them in their original cases so that they won’t be affected by moisture.
Custom Precision Cutting Tools
Precision metal cutting tools need to be well-cared for in order for them to hold up over time.
Besides, precision metal cutting tools that have been maintained will allow for maximum accuracy during CNC machining.
Hence, you must do your part to ensure that their performance and lifespan will last as long as possible.
ASIME manufacture a broad selection of highly reliable CNC cutting tools.
We can assist you in creating custom precision cutting tools that meet your every specification.
Are you ready to make your own custom cutting tools? Contact us right away!
Suggested read: 3 Primary Cutting Tools Applications in the Energy Industry
