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Top 10 Tools for Carbon & Alloy Steel Machining
Our Best-Selling Tools for milling, drilling, turning and threading steels up to HRC45.
V7 Plus HPC
Milling Cutters
The ULTIMATE high performance all-rounder
Solid Carbide HPC 4 flute milling cutters for highest metal removal rate milling on steels up to HRc45.
4G Mills
Milling Cutters
Speed, accuracy, durability & choice in HSC milling
High performance solid carbide milling cutters for semi-rough to finish milling of steels
Dream Drill
Pro
STEP UP your drilling with ultra-high speeds
First choice coated solid carbide drills for high performance drilling of steels. Offers extreme tool life and performance.
HF4 High Feed
Indexable Milling System
Extreme metal removal with ultra-low cutting resistance
Indexable high feed milling system for high metal removal machining of steels with YG622 grade inserts.
Rich Mill RM3
Indexable Milling System
True 90° perpendicularity in shoulder milling applications
Indexable 90 degree milling system with ultra-low cutting resistance for steel machining with exceptional finish, grade PC3700.
King Drill
Indexable Drilling System
Next generation high performance indexable drill
Indexable drilling system for highest reliability and low power requirement steel drilling from 12-100mm. Grade PC3700 or PC5300 for steel drilling.
i-One Drill
Indexable Drilling System
Exceptional in production drilling of steel
High performance replaceable carbide head drill for fast, accurate drilling of steels from 10-33.73mm. Performance, precision and tool life.
Prime X-Coated
Machine Taps
Up to 50% faster & 100% more tool life than HSSE taps
The best selling machine tap for steel thread cutting. HSS powder metal X-coated geometry with exceptional tool life.
NC3225 Grade
Turning Inserts
Complete turning solution with increased productivity
Medium tough P25 coated best selling grade for reliable turning of steels. Continuous or light intermittent turning.
YG3115 Grade
Turning Inserts
High wear resistance and mechanical stress stability
3rd generation CVD coated grade for high production turning of steels. Continuous medium to high speed turning.
Dedicated tools for carbon and alloy steel machining
NC Mill
Milling Cutters
General purpose wet and dry milling of carbon steel, tool steel, alloy steel and stainless steel. Consistent and reliable performance in general machining.
HPD High Performance
HSS Drills
Self-centering premium HSS drills ideal for high performance drilling of carbon steel, alloy steel and tool steel. Higher feed rates and tool life than standard HSS.
Knurling
Tools
Cut and form knurling holders and wheels from QUICK offer high process stability, user-friendly handling and perfect force distribution.
What is a multipurpose cutting tool?
A multipurpose cutting tool is a versatile tool designed for various cutting applications across different materials and tasks. These tools are engineered to provide flexibility and efficiency while reducing the need for multiple specialized cutting tools. They are commonly used in various industries, including construction, woodworking, metalworking, automotive, and DIY projects.
The choice of a multipurpose cutting tool depends on the specific cutting requirements, materials, and precision needed for a given project. Using a multipurpose cutting tool can streamline work processes, reduce the number of tools needed, and improve overall efficiency in various applications.
How to choose a multipurpose cutting tool
Choosing the right multipurpose tool, such as a drill or milling cutter, is crucial for achieving precision and efficiency in machining operations. Here are steps to help you choose the appropriate multipurpose milling tool:
Understand Your Machining Needs: Determine the materials you'll be machining. Common materials include metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, brass), plastics, and composites. Furthermore, identify the specific machining operations you need to perform, such as facing, contouring, drilling, slotting, or roughing. Different tools excel in different operations.
Consider Material Hardness: For hard materials like steel or exotic alloys, you'll need tools with high hardness and wear resistance. Carbide or cobalt-based tools are suitable for such materials. Softer materials like aluminum and plastics can be machined with a wider range of tools, although specific aluminium geometry tools will help prevent issues like swarf build-up and heat generation.
Evaluate Tool Coatings: Coatings like TiN (Titanium Nitride), TiCN (Titanium Carbonitride), TiAlN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride), and others can enhance tool life and performance. Choose coatings based on the materials you're machining.
Determine Tool Geometry: Tool geometry includes factors like the number of flutes, helix angle, and cutting edge design. Consider the type of workpiece and the desired finish when selecting geometry. For roughing operations, for instance, milling tools with more flutes may be appropriate for efficient material removal.
Tool Size and Shank Diameter: Ensure that the tool's size, including the overall length and shank diameter, is compatible with your machine's capabilities and the available workspace.
Feed Rate and Speeds: Consider the recommended cutting speeds and feeds for the material and tool you're using. Operating within these parameters is crucial for tool life, workpiece quality and surface finish.
Coolant and Lubrication: Some materials benefit from coolant or lubrication during machining, for instance HRSAs like titanium and inconel. Make sure the tool you choose can accommodate the necessary cooling methods, as well as your mill or lathe.
Tool Brand and Quality: Stick to reputable tool manufacturers known for producing high-quality milling tools. Quality tools are less likely to break or wear out prematurely. Cutwel supplies a wide range of market leading brands including Korloy, YG-1, Karnasch, Vardex and Simtek.
Budgetary Restrictions: Determine your budget for tooling, but also consider the total cost in a tools lifespan. Higher-quality tools may initially cost more but can last longer and produce better, more consistent results.
Consult Experts and Resources: Seek advice from experienced machinists, engineers, or tool suppliers who can provide recommendations based on your specific machining requirements. Cutwel has a team of time-served engineers on hand to provide expert recommendations for your exact requirements, as well as a highly knowledgeable sales team. Get in touch today on 01924 869610!
Safety and Operator Training: Ensure that you and your operators are trained in safe tool handling and proper machining techniques to maximize tool longevity and safety.
Remember that the choice of a multipurpose tool can significantly impact the quality and efficiency of your machining operations. Carefully assess your needs, materials, and specific machining tasks to make an informed decision.