How To Improve The Durability of CNC Lathe Tools

1. Precisely Select Tool Materials to Match Machining Requirements

• Workpiece Material Characteristics: Choose the appropriate tool material based on the workpiece material. For instance, when machining high-hardness alloy steels, ceramic or cubic boron nitride (CBN) tools are recommended; for aluminum alloys, hard metal tools with good wear resistance are preferable.
• Coating Technology Application: Coated tools can significantly reduce friction and enhance wear resistance. For example, TiAlN coatings are suitable for high-speed cutting, while TiCN coatings are appropriate for general steel machining.
• Tool Structure Design: Select the appropriate tool geometry based on the machining process. For example, tools with a large rake angle are suitable for cutting soft materials, while a small clearance angle can increase the tool's rigidity.

2. Optimize Cutting Parameters to Reduce Tool Wear

• Cutting Speed: Both excessively high and low cutting speeds can affect tool life. It is recommended to adjust the cutting speed according to the tool manual, taking into account the hardness of the workpiece material.
• Feed Rate: An excessively large feed rate can cause uneven tool forces, leading to chipping. During rough machining, the feed rate can be increased, while during finish machining, it should be reduced.
• Cutting Depth: Layered cutting is more protective of the tool than a single pass. Each cutting depth should be controlled to 10-20% of the tool diameter.

3. Standardize Tool Usage and Maintenance to Extend Service Life

• Correct Installation and Adjustment: Ensure the precision of tool installation, with the fit error between the tool holder and the spindle taper controlled within 0.005mm.
• Regular Sharpening and Maintenance: When tool wear reaches the wear standard (e.g., flank wear ≥ 0.3mm), sharpen the tool promptly.
• Establish a Usage Log: Record the usage time and the number of workpieces machined for each tool to track wear patterns and plan replacements in advance.

4. Implement Intelligent Monitoring Systems for Preventive Maintenance

• Vibration Monitoring: Use sensors to continuously collect tool vibration data and issue warnings when abnormal fluctuations occur.
• Temperature Monitoring: Monitor the temperature in the cutting area and automatically stop the machine when it exceeds the set threshold.

5. Adopt Advanced Coating Technologies

• Coating Selection: Choose tools with advanced coatings such as TiN (titanium nitride), TiCN (titanium carbonitride), TiAlN (aluminum titanium nitride), or DLC (diamond-like carbon) to enhance wear resistance and extend tool life.

6. Interrupt the Thermal Current Loop

• Insulation Measures: Interrupt the thermal current loop by adding insulating materials (such as phenolic board or plastic tool pads) between the tool and the machine or between the workpiece and the machine. This reduces the affinity between metals, minimizes the formation of built-up edges and scales, and improves the cutting performance and durability of the tool.