The tool is an important part of the CNC machining center, and the perfect machining operation is inseparable from the reasonable application of the tool. Modern cutters are inextricably linked with the cutters of the past. Like many things, the current cutters are the carriers of technology. So how do you choose and install a tool for a five axis mill or hmc milling machine? Let's look together.

What kinds of cutters are there?

There are two types in terms of shape: hole milling cutters and shank milling cutters. 

• Disc milling cutter is a general term for disc milling cutter with holes. According to the shape and use of the cutting edge, there are three-sided milling cutters, forming milling cutters, gear milling cutters, angle milling cutters, saw blade milling cutters, etc.

• Cylindrical milling cutters (straight teeth, helical teeth) are installed on the horizontal milling machine on the cutter shaft, and the long or short shank is selected according to the situation.

• The tapered shank milling cutter can be installed on the tool shaft with a taper hole of 7:24 through the variable tapered sleeve, and then the tool shaft can be installed on the main shaft. 

• The straight shank milling cutter is usually installed with a special elastic chuck, and the diameter is generally less than 20mm. 

How to properly clamp the tool?

1️⃣In all machining applications, use as short a holder as possible. In addition, the tool should be installed as far as possible in the tool holder. This increases the holding force of the tool holder against the tool and reduces vibration. The shorter the distance from the spindle nose to the tool tip, the higher the rigidity. Higher rigidity means less vibration during cutting.

2️⃣Do not over-tighten the pull stud (keep the knob). If the stud is too tight, the taper of the tool will be deformed, and the fit between the tool and the tapered surface of the spindle will be affected, resulting in a decrease in the rigidity between the tool holder and the spindle.

3️⃣Do not use inferior collets. The ER Style (Dual Angle) Collet is a high performance general purpose collet that is flexible and performs well in most machining applications. This collet performs slightly less well when holding end mills for heavy roughing. ER collets hold slightly less force than side-set collets, shrink-fit collets, or hydraulic collets. Lateral forces on end mills can create tool vibration or chatter, and the helical shape on some tools can pull the tool out of the collet.

4️⃣Make sure that the set screw of the side mount collet does not extend beyond the shank diameter, especially if the set screw is inside the drive slot. Otherwise, it may affect the accurate grasp of the tool holder by the tool changer during the tool change process.

5️⃣Use anti-seize grease on all blade screws.

6️⃣It is recommended that all tool holders with a speed of 10,000 rpm or higher should be dynamically balanced to G2.5 or higher at the maximum speed. You can buy a pre-balanced handle, but you will need to balance it again when the tool is installed in the handle.

7️⃣Use appropriate rotational speed and feed rate for cutting. Most tool manufacturers provide general tool usage guidelines (based on the machined material). Experience is invaluable when it comes to adjusting the cutting conditions of a tool. Chatter and vibration can both occur and you may need to change the RPM and feed rate to improve these conditions.

Last few words

After reading the above content, you may have a brief understanding about how to install cutters. We are a professional manufacturer, providing customers with premium vertical milling machine cutters, any questions, please feel free to contact us.