Cutting Tools

About cutting tools

Cutting tools are essential for material removal processes, including milling, drilling, tapping, reaming, and turning. This category encompasses a wide range of tools such as end mills, drill bits, taps, dies, reamers, and carbide inserts. End mills are specified by their diameter, flute count, and length of cut, with common types including square, ball nose, and corner radius. Drill bits are characterized by diameter, length, and point angle, available in twist, spade, and step drill configurations. Taps and dies are defined by their thread form (e.g., M, UNC, UNF), pitch, and nominal diameter, used for creating internal and external threads respectively. Reamers are used for precise hole sizing and finishing, specified by diameter and flute type. Inserts, typically carbide, are interchangeable cutting edges for turning, milling, and drilling, designated by an ANSI or ISO insert style code, corner radius, and chip breaker geometry. Tool materials commonly include high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt HSS, solid carbide, and ceramic, often with coatings like TiN, TiAlN, or AlTiN to enhance hardness and reduce friction. Selection depends on workpiece material, required surface finish, and machine rigidity.