What are CNS tools?
Computer numerical control (CNC) tools are machines that utilize a computer to cut and shape a material. The machine holds the material in place while the tool is moved and drills the material with precision on computer command. CNC machines are utilized in many industries, most commonly to produce parts from metal, plastic, or wood. CNC tooling is faster, more accurate, and more consistent than manual tools and is growing in popularity in the manufacturing industry.
Types of CNS Tools
There are different types of CNC tools used for various jobs. Here are some of the main tools we have enlisted below to help you understand them.
Ends mills
End mills are probably the most popular CNC tool. They look just like a drill that cuts not only downwards. They can shape and carve in more ways than just drilling holes.
They come in different types depending on the number of sides (flutes) and the shape of the tip. End mills are great slot, edge, and surface cutters and are commonly used in metal and plastic machining.
Slab mills
Slab mills are large and strong cutting tools made for heavy-duty work. They are primarily used for cutting wide and flat surfaces of a large piece of material. When using a slab mill, the workpiece is placed flat on the machine’s table so the slab can move evenly across it.
Slab mills are ideal for removing material quickly in the initial stages of a project, especially when working on metal or hard materials. Slab mills are not used for detailed work but to shape a rough surface.
Face mills
Face mills are CNC cutters with flat faces and interchangeable carbide inserts. Face mills are meant to remove material from the workpiece in the areas to be faced off or leveled.
Face mills do only horizontal cutting, and thus the cutting edges are on the face and side elements of the tool. These are primarily intended for face milling operations where flat and even surfaces are required.
Gear cutters
Gear cutters are specialized tools for cutting gears that are used in machinery and vehicles. Gears transfer motion and power from one part to another. Gear-cutting tools can create different types of gears, including spur gears and helical gears.
Each gear style requires a uniquely shaped gear cutter to get the correct sizes and shapes. These cutters provide precise measurements in gear production to ensure the gear works properly and fits within the mechanical system.
Reamers
A reamer is used to enlarge holes and smooth those that have already been drilled. Although the reamer doesn’t take off much material, it makes the hole cleaner, rounder, and more accurately sized. This is usually important when a hole needs to fit the bolting or pinning exactly.
Reamers give a better surface finish than standard drill bits and improve the accuracy in CNC machines so that every part matches perfectly when they are ready for final assembly.
