How to choose a CNC pantograph cutter? Find out how to improve and optimise machining operations with cutters of the highest quality.
The choice of the tools for cnc machines is a crucial phase of the production process. Very often, in fact, customers have high-performance CNC machines but use an unsuitable tool. Other times, because of inexperienced operators, they are unable to obtain the desired processing quality, thus compromising the entire production.
To avoid making these mistakes, it is always necessary to ask ourself some questions such as: what type of material do we have to work with? What processes do we have to perform? How many and which panels do we have to process?
Remembering, however, that the choice of tools is influenced by numerous variables linked to the specific machining operations and the needs of each individual user.
In this article we will try to provide some clarity, defining some of the aspects that determine the most suitable type of tip.
- What machining operations can be performed with CNC pantograph cutters?
- What characterizes a CNC pantograph cutter?
- Wirutex pantograph cutters
What machining operations can be performed with CNC pantograph cutters?
CNC pantograph cutters allow different types of machining operations to be performed. Some of the most important and common of these within the industrial sector are:
- contouring;
- sizing;
- shaping;
- grooving.
For each of these processes, there are specific dedicated tools; the choice of which of these to use is dependent on a number of important variables, as we will see in the next section.
In this instance, however, it is essential to remember that the type of machining operation must be examined alongside other technical parameters too, such as the number of rotations and the feed speed.
Finally, of the various aspects to be taken into consideration, the experience of the CNC operator is also key: this is a decisive factor in achieving optimal machining results.
How to choose CNC tools
CNC tools operate by means of a rotary motion, which serves to remove material from the panel.
Depending on the type of machining operation to be performed, there are a range of specific cutters. The choice of which to use is dependent on the following parameters: the part of the panel involved in the machining operation, the level of finishing and the milling depth.
The first two variables influence, in particular, the choice of geometry for the cutting edge of the router bit which, as we'll see further on, can be of various types. The milling depth (i.e. how much chip material we need to remove) will affect the choice of the router bit shank.
Putting together all the variables touched upon so far which have an influence on the machining operation is crucial when determining the most suitable CNC tools to use. Of these, one variable remains: the type of wood being processed.
Why is the type of wood being processed important?
Knowing exactly what type of wood will be processed, among other data, is important because it allows you to avoid unpleasant surprises during processing. For example, the breakage of the cutter or the damage of the panel.
Wood is a natural composite material that comes in many varieties and is used in a myriad of applications. Every wood has its own particular features: from the hardest to the softest, from pure to composite, from blockboard to laminate. Others, like chipboard, may contain wood/metal/glue waste, etc.
The specific characteristics of the wood, then, influence the choice of CNC pantograph cutter.
For example, if the panel we're machining contains ferrous materials, a polycrystalline diamond bit isn't suitable, while its use on materials such as Corian, highly abrasive materials, MDF, chipboard, etc. is strongly recommended.
What characterizes a CNC pantograph cutter?
We have already referred to some of the key features of a CNC pantograph cutter. Specifically, these tools differ from each other in terms of the geometry of the cutting edge, the material of the cutting edge, and finally the material of the bit body.
The choice of cutting edge geometry and material is essentially influenced by the machining to be performed, the degree of finish to be obtained and the type of panel to be machined.
As we have seen above, each type of wood has specific characteristics, and as such, lends itself to being machined by cutters made from different materials. Choosing the right material means ensuring a longer service life for the bit, with reduced machining costs as a result.
These characteristics also determine its effectiveness and suitability for the type of work to be carried out. Every cutter must perform a dedicated task, and cannot be used in machining operations other than those for which it is intended.
If we consider that there are pantograph cutters made of different materials, the choice of material becomes fundamental when identifying the ideal product.
What materials are pantograph cutters made from?
Pantograph cutters can be manufactured with polycrystalline diamond (DP), tungsten carbide (HW) or solid tungsten carbide (HWM) cutting edges. The choice of tool material directly influences the tool life and machining quality.
Polycrystalline diamond is ideal for repeated machining operations and for use on specific materials, due to its high levels of hardness. Tungsten carbide is more suitable for machining hard materials.
As is clear at this point, there are numerous aspects and variables that can influence the approach taken when machining a panel, and consequently when choosing a router bit.
That's why it's crucial to turn to an experienced tool supplier who has built up a detailed working knowledge of the materials and dealt with a variety of situations and specific machining requirements.
Wirutex pantograph cutters
Wirutex hi-tech tools boasts a wide range of router bits for CNC machining centres, with cutting edges in polycrystalline diamond, tungsten carbide and solid tungsten carbide.
With nearly 40 years of experience, the company guarantees high quality tools, certified according to European standard UNI EN 847-1 and DGUV, thanks to its constant investments in technology and production process control.
Among the polycrystalline diamond cutters for CNC machines, Wirutex offers solutions for: contouring, boring, sizing, grooves, shaping, finger joints and rebating, nesting.
CNC cutters made of this material are suitable for processing wood and wood-based materials, stratified materials and highly abrasive materials. The bodies are made of steel or solid tungsten carbide, with disjointed or whole tips.
Wirutex hi-tech tools tungsten carbide router bits are suitable for contouring, sizing and shaping various types of material like: hard wood and wood composites; solid wood and its composites; laminated or plastic materials.
Unlike polycrystalline diamond bits, where the tips are braze welded onto the cutter body, with tungsten carbide or solid tungsten carbide bits the cutting edge is part of the cutter body itself.
In this case too, there are router bits with an HWM body and one, two or three cutting edges that, depending on the cutter model, may be straight or positive/negative helical to suit the type of application.
