Selecting CNC tooling

When writing programs for CNC machines it's important to keep in mind what tooling you will select to use for the job. Making the right selection depends on how well you understand the different factors that may affect the job you are doing. For example, when selecting tooling for a job you need to consider four factors: the machine being used the material being used the needs of the customer, and the specifications of the tool to be used. All of these factors are related to each other and can affect the selection of tooling for a job. In the diagram below roll your mouse over the four factors to view questions relating to each factor.
The tool factor Let's now look at the Tool factor and see how the other factors are related to it. As you can see from the diagram above, there are a number of important aspects to consider when selecting and using a tool. These aspects are listed below with a short explanation of how they are related to the machine, the material and the customer needs. In Tools & Machinery you can find information on router and drilling tools and more detailed information on the different aspects of the Tool factor for router cutters. Aspects which need to be considered when selecting tooling are: Types of tooling used Selecting a tool to use on a CNC machine mainly depends on the type of material being used, the type of work to be done, the quality of finish and the number of components to be run. Tool configuration A CNC machine can have many different types of tool configurations. To select a tool you need to know what the tool configurations are for the CNC machine you are working on . Direction of cut The direction of cut affects the life of a tool, the quality of the cut and the material you are working with. When selecting a tool it's important to consider the type of material you are using, the needs of the customer and the specifications of the CNC machine being used. Cutting speed Cutting speed is the peripheral speed of the tool. Sometimes you may need to calculate cutting speed mathematically. Or, you might use a cutting table. Whichever way you do it, you need to know the cutting speed and RPM for the tool you have selected on the CNC machine you are using. Sometimes cutting speed is confused with feed speed. Just remember that cutting speed is in relation to the tool itself while feed speed is in relation to the movement of the tool. Spindle and feed speed Feed speed is the rate at which the work piece moves into the cutter. It is always determined in relation to the spindle speed. Using the wrong feed speed can produce too much dust or burn the work piece. To determine the optimum feed speed you can use a feed speed table or calculate it mathematically.
Using handbooks Working out cutting speeds and feed speeds using mathematics can be difficult. But you will often find this information in tooling manufacturer's handbooks. These handbooks provide general information such as application of a tool, machinery type and work piece material. You will also find technical information such as feed speed, RPM and cutting material in these handbooks.