Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.

Cutting tool design is a specialized branch of manufacturing engineering focused on creating tools used to remove material from a workpiece during machining processes, such as turning, milling, drilling, or grinding. These tools—ranging from single-point lathe inserts to complex multi-flute end mills—are engineered to ensure efficient material removal, minimal wear, precise tolerances, and high surface finishes while optimizing production speed and cost.

Key Components

Geometry: The shape and angles of the tool (e.g., rake angle, relief angle, and helix angle) determine chip formation, cutting forces, and heat dissipation. For instance, positive rake angles reduce cutting forces but may compromise tool strength.

Materials: Tools must be harder and more wear-resistant than the workpiece, often using high-speed steel (HSS), carbide, ceramics, or polycrystalline diamond (PCD). Designs incorporate substrates like tungsten carbide for toughness.

Coatings: Thin layers (e.g., TiN, TiAlN, or diamond-like carbon) enhance hardness, reduce friction, and extend tool life by up to 5-10 times in demanding applications.

Chip Management: Features like chip breakers or flutes ensure effective evacuation of chips to prevent tool breakage or poor surface quality.

Design Principles

Designers prioritize factors like workpiece material, machine capabilities, production volume, and environmental conditions to balance performance and durability. Principles include minimizing interference between the tool and workpiece, ensuring sufficient chip space without weakening the structure, and using simulation software for predictive analysis. Advanced designs may incorporate modular components for quick changes or micro-scale features for precision machining.