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Types of Lathe Cutting Tools for CNC Lathe Machines
Hi! I am going to tell you about tools that cut metal in CNC lathe machines. These are special tools that make parts in a factory like our company, Istar Machining.
Table of Contents
What Are Lathe Cutting Tools?
Lathe cutting tools are hard bits that cut metal when it spins. They work in CNC lathe machines. CNC means a computer helps the machine work.
At Istar Machining’s CNC turning service, we use many types of these tools to make parts perfect.
Types of Lathe Cutting Tools by What They’re Made Of
Let’s look at the kinds of tools we use:
1. High-Speed Steel (HSS) Tools
- These are low-cost tools
- Good for soft metals like aluminum
- Cost 30% less than other tools
- Work well for making test parts
2. Carbide Insert Tools
- These are very hard tools
- Last 3-5 times longer than HSS tools
- Can cut 50% faster in hard metals
- We use these a lot at Istar Machining’s CNC parts machining shop
3. Ceramic and CBN Tools
- Best for very hard metals
- Last 200% longer when cutting hard steel
- Can work at high heat
- Used for making parts that must last a long time
4. Diamond-Coated/PCD Tools
- For non-metal parts and soft metal
- Make very smooth cuts
- Used for mirror-like finish
- Great for aluminum and copper parts
Types of Lathe Cutting Tools by What They Do
Now let’s see what each tool does:
1. Turning Tools
Turning tools cut the outside or inside of round parts. They make the part smaller and smoother.
![Turning tool cutting a workpiece]
2. Facing Tools
Facing tools make flat ends on parts. They cut across the end of a spinning part.
3. Boring Tools
Boring tools make holes bigger. They cut the inside of a hole to make it just the right size.
4. Grooving and Parting Tools
- Grooving tools cut slots in parts
- Parting tools cut a part off from the main piece
- Both have thin tips to fit in small spaces
5. Threading Tools
Threading tools cut spirals called threads. Threads let parts screw together.
6. Knurling Tools
Knurling tools make bumpy patterns on parts. These bumps help you grip the part with your hand.
Types of Lathe Cutting Tools by How They’re Made
The way a tool is built changes how it works:
1. Indexable Inserts
- Have tips you can change
- Come in many shapes: triangle, diamond, round
- Save money because you only change the tip
- Reduced tool change time by 70%
2. Solid Tools
- Made in one piece
- Very strong
- Good for special jobs
- No parts to come loose
3. Toolholders
- Hold the cutting bits
- Keep tools from shaking
- Come in systems like VDI and Capto
- Help tools cut better
How to Pick the Right Tool
At Istar Machining, we pick tools by looking at:
- What the part is made of
- What kind of cut we need to make
- How smooth the part must be
- How much money we want to spend
Tool Performance Table
| Tool Type | Best For | How Long It Lasts | What It Costs | Where We Use It |
| HSS | Soft metals | Good | Low | Test parts |
| Carbide | Most metals | Very good | Medium | Most jobs |
| CBN/Ceramic | Hard metals | Best | High | Special jobs |
| PCD | Aluminum, plastic | Best for these | Highest | Smooth finish jobs |
Special Tools for Special Jobs
Sometimes we need tools made just for one type of metal:
- Aluminum cutting tools – Sharp with steep angles
- Stainless steel tools – Tough with chip breakers
- Live tooling – Can drill holes while the part spins
At Istar Machining’s CNC lathe machining shop, we have all these special tools.
Tips for Using Cutting Tools
Here are some tips we use at Istar Machining:
- Match the tool to the metal
- Use roughing tools first, then finishing tools
- Keep tools sharp
- Use coolant to keep tools from getting too hot
- Check the wear on tools often
Brands We Trust
We use top tool brands at our shop:
- Sandvik Coromant
- Kennametal
- Iscar
- Mitsubishi Materials
Questions People Ask
Can one tool do many jobs?
Sometimes, but most tools are best for just one job. The way they are shaped makes them good at some cuts but not others.
How often should we change tool tips?
We check for wear that is 0.3mm or more. When we see this much wear, we change the tip.
What’s the difference between CBN and PCD tools?
CBN is for hard metals like steel. PCD is for soft metals like aluminum.
Why Tool Choice Matters
Picking the right tool:
- Makes parts faster
- Makes parts smoother
- Makes tools last longer
- Saves money
At Istar Machining, we know how to pick the best tools for any job. This helps us make perfect parts every time.
Advanced Tool Solutions
New tools keep coming out that make work better:
- Chip breakers – Control metal scraps
- Coolant-through tools – Keep tools cool inside
- Smart tools – Tell us when they’re worn out
Wrap Up
Lathe cutting tools come in many types. Each has a special job. By picking the right tool, we make better parts.
At Istar Machining, we use the best tools for each job. That’s how we make high-quality parts for our customers.
Want to learn more? Call us to see how our precision CNC machining can help with your next project!
[^1]: Data on tool performance from industry standards and real-world testing at Istar Machining. [^2]: Tool material comparisons based on documented performance in machining applications. [^3]: Tool life statistics from manufacturer documentation and shop floor experience.
