It is a matter of precision, consistency, and selecting the right tools. From forming light-gauge aluminum sheets to cutting hardened steel, the importance of choosing the correct cutting tools increases.
Some jobs will prioritize time, whereas in others, precision is paramount. Some metal cutting tools are heavy on cutting, while others are light and cleaner.
Regardless of whether you have a machine shop, manage the production floor, or just want to learn about the types of metal cutting tools, it is worth looking at all the typical tools used to cut metal, specifically slitting saw cutters. We should also examine their role in the organization’s manufacturing process.
What Are Metal Cutting Tools?
Metal cutting tools are tools used to cut material from metal workpieces. They can shear, cut, shape, grind, or mill metal to produce the intended size or surface finish.
These tools belong to two broad categories:
- Single-point cutting tools:Principally employed for turning, boring, and planning
- Multi-point cutting tools:Employed in milling, drilling, and sawing.
Types of Metal Cutting Tools
1. Slitting Saw Cutter
A slitting saw is a circular saw blade with sharp teeth, usually employed in milling machines. It’s best suited for:
- Narrow slotting
- Cutting thin sections
- Working on materials such as aluminum, brass, or hardened steel
Why manufacturers prefer it:
- Clean, controlled cuts
- Suitable for tight tolerances
- Capable of cutting sensitive or hard materials
In different thicknesses and diameters When properly maintained, a quality slitting saw cutter can last a long time and is used widely in automotive, aerospace, and electronics manufacturing.
2. Lathe Tools
These single-point cutting tools are utilized in lathes. They remove metal by rotating the workpiece against a stationary cutting tool..
Common lathe tool types:
- Turning tool:Turns the outer diameter of the metal.
- Facing tool:Finishes the ends of metal parts.
- Boring tool: Expands or completes holes.
- Parting tool:Cuts off finished parts.
3. Drill Bits
These are used in drill machines to create round holes in metal. Drill bits are all shaped differently, but the twist drill is the most common.
There are three types of drill bits found in metal:
- High-speed steel (HSS): General-purpose drilling.
- Cobalt: Stainless steel and harder metals.
- Carbide: Hardened steel, Production level.
It is also important to mention that all bits will need sharpening for optimum performance. Dull bits will create an ugly finish on the job and might destroy the part:
4. Milling Cutters
They are multi-cutting point cutters that remove material from workpieces in a rotary motion using machines. There are many types of milling cutters used for machining. The ones mostly used are:
- End mills: Mostly used for side milling, slotting, and contouring.
- Face mills: Carry flat surfaces.
- Ball nose: Ball mill cutters are best for 3D or complex geometries.
Tip: Make sure to use the correct coating for your material (TiN or TiAlN). The coat increases wear resistance.
5. Broaches
Broaching tools have a sequence of teeth that get progressively larger. They are used to take away material in one stroke.
Where broaches perform most effectively:
- Internal keyways
- Splines
- Holes with non-round cross-sections
Horizontal and vertical broaching machines are available in various sizes and shapes to suit the job.
6. Reamers
Reamers do not cut. They clean up and smooth out already drilled holes, reducing them to precise diameters.
Uses include:
- Drilling accurate holes for fasteners
- Providing a proper fit between parts
- Surface finishing
Use reamers strictly after pre-drilling. Using them as initial cutters will quickly wear them down.
7. Taps and Dies
Taps and dies are essential tools used for creating and repairing screw threads, both internally and externally. Taps are used to cut or form internal threads (like in a nut), while dies are used to cut or form external threads (like on a bolt or screw). These work best with proper cutting lubricants to minimize friction and enhance thread quality.
8. Plasma Cutters
Plasma cutters are tools used to cut through electrically conductive materials like steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper using a high-velocity jet of hot plasma.
Benefits
- Cuts through hard metals
- Efficient and fast
- Little heat distortion if properly used
- Usually applied in heavy fabrication, construction, and shipbuilding.
9. Waterjet Cutters
A waterjet cutter uses a stream of water, pressurized up to 60,000–90,000 PSI, to slice through materials. When cutting harder substances like metal, stone, or glass, an abrasive (like garnet sand) is added to the water for extra cutting power. These employ high-pressure water (occasionally blended with abrasive particles) to cut metal without heat.
Suitable for:
- Metals that bend when heated
- Finesse designs
- Thick materiald
Because there’s no heat-affected zone, the properties of the metal remain intact, so it’s ideal for delicate alloys.
10. Laser Cutters
Laser cutters are fast and accurate. They employ a concentrated laser beam to cut or engrave metal.
- Best suited for sheet metal.
- Produces clean, precise edges.
- Ideal for custom or intricate parts.
They are used extensively in electronics and the sign industry.
Selecting the Right Tool
Every tool is used for a particular purpose. The appropriate option will depend on:
- Metal type:Soft metals can be cut using HSS (High Speed Steel) tools, while tougher alloys can be cut using carbide or diamond tips.
- Finish required:If a smooth finish is required, you will use a reamer or a face mill.
- Cutting speeds:If you deal with high volumes and need to turn them over faster than lightning, use a plasma cutter or laser cutter, as both will cut with results in minutes.
- Budget:Typically, using a high-tech cutter can be pricey, but you save hours by making parts in bulk.
Conclusion
Today, manufacturers have more cutting tool choices than ever before. From basic lathe tools to highly accurate slitting saw cutters, the decision is based on your application, materials, and production objectives.
As a leading industrial knife manufacturer , we’re convinced to provide the best cutting tools.s. Whether cutting sensitive aluminium sheets or handling hardened alloys, selecting the right tool is half the task achieved.