Choosing and using the right machine tools is one of the most important ways to accomplish high-precision and high-efficiency processing in the field of precision intelligence processing. In the hands of a craftsman, it is like a sharp sword that directly affects the efficiency of production and the quality of processing. The selection of tools is even more crucial in the processing of medical equipment and components industries (such as dental equipment and supplies, medical devices, etc.) for businesses that specialize in precision processing, such as Airy Precision Machinery.

The significance of tool materials

The performance of a tool is determined by its materials. High-speed steel, ceramics, cemented carbide, and superhard materials (such diamond and cubic boron nitride) are examples of common tool materials:

• Steel that moves quickly: It is appropriate for processing some components with complicated forms that do not require exceptionally high accuracy, or for usage under low-speed cutting settings, and it has good toughness and machinability. For instance, because processing flexibility and cost control are currently given more consideration, high-speed steel tools may be utilized for rough processing when creating some early models of dental equipment.
• Cemented carbide: High hardness, great heat resistance, and good wear resistance are characteristics of cemented carbide. It is among the most popular materials for tools. Cemented carbide tools can process the majority of metal components with exceptional performance in the medical equipment and parts business. To guarantee the quality and accuracy of the processed surface, carbide tools, for instance, can retain strong cutting performance at a higher cutting speed while processing the metal shell of medical devices.
• Ceramic cutting tools: Ceramic tools are ideal for high-speed and dry cutting because of their great hardness, excellent wear resistance, and strong chemical stability at high temperatures. Ceramic tools may successfully lower the treated surface's roughness and enhance the parts' surface quality when processing medical components with extremely high surface quality requirements and micron-level processing precision. Ceramic tools, for instance, may be used to process precision dental implants with greater cutting accuracy, guarantee the smoothness of the implant surface, and make it easier for the implant to integrate with human tissue.
• Superhard material tools: Cubic boron nitride tools are ideal for processing high-hardness materials, such as some specific alloy materials used in medical equipment, and are second only to diamond in terms of hardness and wear resistance. Diamond tools are mostly used to process non-metallic materials, such as in ophthalmic medical equipment, for processing some high-precision plastic lenses or glass items. They have very high hardness and wear resistance.

Tool geometry's impact

The cutting performance and processing quality of the tool are directly impacted by the tool geometry, which includes elements like the front angle, back angle, blade inclination angle, and tool tip radius.

• Tool tip radius: Although a lower tool tip radius might increase the machined surface's precision, it also weakens and shortens the tool's lifespan. The size and accuracy requirements of high-precision medical components must be taken into consideration when choosing an appropriate tool tip radius. For instance, a tool with a smaller tool tip radius could be necessary for delicate processing on some small dental equipment components, while a tool with a greater tool tip radius would be suitable for bigger parts to guarantee tool endurance.
• Blade inclination angle: A suitable blade inclination angle may regulate the chips' flow path and enhance the tool's cutting stability. Depending on the various processing materials and techniques, choosing an appropriate blade inclination angle during processing can help minimize chip-induced scratches on the processing surface and enhance processing quality. For instance, choosing an appropriate negative blade inclination angle when processing materials that are prone to producing strip chips can enable the chips to discharge smoothly, preventing the chips from wrapping around the tool and compromising processing safety and accuracy.
• Rake angle and back angle: While increasing the rake angle can lessen cutting force and sharpen the tool, it will also weaken the tool. Similarly, increasing the back angle can lessen friction between the tool and the workpiece, but an excessively large back angle will shorten the tool's lifespan. In real-world applications, the rake angle and back angle must be carefully chosen based on the processed material's toughness, hardness, and other properties. To guarantee the cutting edge strength and wear resistance of the tool, a bigger back angle and a lower rake angle are often chosen for medical equipment components with higher hardness; However, the rake angle may be suitably raised to maximize cutting efficiency for some materials with superior toughness and lower hardness.

Tool upkeep and administration

Additionally, the tool's administration and maintenance are critical to ensuring its efficacy and longevity.

• Tool storage: To prevent rust and corrosion, the tool should be kept in a clean, dry environment. To avoid wear and collision, certain high-precision instruments must also be stored in a specialized tool box or rack.
• Tool sharpening: Maintaining the tool's cutting capability and sharpness requires regular sharpening. Choose the right sharpening technique and tools based on the material's properties and the tool's intended usage. Certain instruments made of superhard materials may need specialized sharpening techniques and tools.
• Tool detection: To make sure the tool satisfies the processing criteria, it is important to check its dimensional correctness, form accuracy, and cutting edge state before utilizing it. The tool should be routinely inspected during processing in order to identify wear and damage early on and replace it as needed.

The choice and use of tools in precision CNC machining is a complex technical matter that calls for taking into account a number of variables, including workpiece materials, processing technology, geometric forms, and tool materials. Through constant research and development, Airy Precision Machinery has amassed a wealth of knowledge in the processing of medical equipment and parts. It can appropriately apply tools to accomplish high-precision and high-efficiency processing and choose appropriate tools based on various processing needs, significantly advancing the growth of the medical equipment and components sector. At the same time, maintaining and managing tools is a crucial component of guaranteeing both production efficiency and processing quality. The only way to fully leverage the performance benefits of tools and achieve sustainable precision processing is to manage them well during their entire life cycle.