How To Choose The Right CNC Router Tool?

In CNC machining, tool selection directly impacts cutting accuracy, processing efficiency, and finished product quality. For CNC router users, choosing the right tool not only increases processing speed but also extends tool life and reduces production costs. However, there are a wide variety of tools available on the market, with tools of varying materials, specifications, and angles suited to different machining needs. Many customers ask, "Which tool should I choose?" after purchasing our CNC routers. As a professional CNC equipment manufacturer with many years of export experience, we not only provide high-performance CNC routers but also offer comprehensive solutions from equipment to machining processes. In this article, UTECH will provide a detailed, professional explanation of how to choose the right CNC router tool.

1. Identify the Material Type for CNC Machine Tool Processing

2. Choose tool geometry based on the processing process. 

3. Consider tool diameter and cutting depth

4. Tool Material and Coating

5. Matching tool speed and feed rate for CNC machine tools

6. Regular Tool Maintenance and Replacement

1. Identify the Material Type for CNC Machine Tool Processing

Before selecting a tool, it's important to first understand the type of material you primarily process. Different materials have varying requirements for tool hardness, sharpness, and wear resistance.

• For wood: High-speed steel (HSS) or carbide cutting tools are recommended. HSS is affordable and offers excellent toughness, making it suitable for softwood and medium-density fiberboard. Carbide cutting tools are more suitable for hardwood and composite materials, offering higher processing efficiency.

• For acrylic and plastic: Single-edged spiral cutters or polished cutters are recommended to reduce cutting heat and prevent melting.

• For metals (aluminum, copper, stainless steel, etc.): Carbide or coated cutters are more durable. It's also important to choose an appropriate cutting angle to minimize tool wear.

• For stone and glass: Diamond-tipped cutters are recommended to ensure sharp cuts and minimize chipping.

2. Choose tool geometry based on the processing process. 

The tool geometry determines the surface finish and efficiency of the machined surface.

• Flat end mills: Suitable for processes like grooving and face milling, offering efficient material removal.

• Ball nose end mills: Suitable for three-dimensional surface processing, such as relief carving and 3D modeling, producing a smooth surface.

• V-Bit: Suitable for engraving text and fine patterns, especially for advertising engraving.

• Single-edge blade: Low cutting resistance and excellent chip evacuation, suitable for high-speed cutting of soft materials.

• Multi-edge blade: Slower processing speed, but smoother cut surfaces, suitable for metalworking.

3. Consider tool diameter and cutting depth

The tool diameter and cutting depth of a CNC machine tool are important factors affecting processing speed and accuracy. Large-diameter tools offer fast cutting speeds and are suitable for roughing, but may not be able to handle small details when engraving. Small-diameter tools can produce intricate details, but they cut more slowly and are more prone to breakage. The cutting depth should be consistent with the tool length; excessive depth increases tool load and can cause tool breakage. When selecting a tool, it is recommended to strike a balance between processing efficiency and accuracy. For example, using a large-diameter tool for roughing first, followed by a small-diameter tool for finishing, achieves a balanced result.

4. Tool Material and Coating

The tool material of a CNC engraving machine directly affects its durability and cutting performance.

• High-speed steel (HSS): Low price, good toughness, but poor wear resistance, suitable for machining soft materials.

• Carbide: High hardness, good wear resistance, suitable for high-speed cutting, and long tool life.

• Diamond coating (PCD/CVD): Extremely hard and wear-resistant, particularly suitable for high-hardness materials such as glass, carbon fiber, and stone.

• Titanium coating (TiN, TiAlN, etc.): Reduces cutting friction, improves heat resistance, and is suitable for high-speed metal machining.

When selecting a material and coating, consider the material being machined, machining speed, and budget.

5. Matching tool speed and feed rate for CNC machine tools

Even if the right tool is selected, improper CNC machine speed and feed rate can shorten tool life and reduce machining quality. Excessively high speeds generate excessive heat, causing material melting or tool dulling. Excessively low speeds increase cutting resistance and accelerate tool wear. Excessively high feed rates can cause tool breakage, while excessively low feed rates can affect efficiency and produce burrs. It's recommended to set appropriate rotational speeds and feed rates according to the tool manufacturer's parameter tables and adjust them appropriately during actual CNC engraving machine processing.

6. Regular Tool Maintenance and Replacement

After prolonged use, tools gradually wear out, reducing cutting performance. Regularly checking tool sharpness and replacing them promptly ensures consistent CNC engraving machine processing quality. Also, be sure to clean the tool of chips to prevent degradation of cutting performance.

Selecting the right CNC engraving machine tool is crucial for ensuring processing quality and extending equipment life. Factors such as the material being processed, tool shape, diameter and cutting depth, tool material and coating, as well as rotational speed and feed rate should be considered comprehensively. Choosing the right tool not only significantly improves processing efficiency, but also extends tool life and reduces production costs. As a professional CNC equipment exporter, we understand that purchasing equipment isn't the end game; it's the starting point for improving productivity. Therefore, we not only provide stable and efficient CNC engraving machines to our global customers, but also offer a full range of value-added services, including tool selection guidance, processing parameter recommendations, and after-sales training and support. Relying on UTECH's many years of CNC machining experience and comprehensive supporting services, customers can not only obtain high-performance CNC engraving machines, but also receive full tooling and process support, maximizing the return on their investment.