CNC Machining

During CNC machining, chips and cutting fluid may seem like supporting elements, but they directly impact processing efficiency, workpiece quality, and tool life. Improper handling can lead to poor surface finish at best, or tool breakage at worst.

1. Why is chip management important?

Chips are the excess material cut from the workpiece by the tool. Poor chip evacuation can cause:

·Long, stringy chips wrapping around the tool or workpiece, potentially scratching the machined surface or even damaging the spindle

·Chips not being removed in time, getting recut by the tool and accelerating tool wear

·Accumulated chips blocking heat dissipation from the cutting zone, leading to localized overheating

Common chip evacuation methods:

·Chip breaker design: Grooves on the tool's rake face cause chips to break into small sections for easy removal

·High-pressure cooling: High-pressure cutting fluid flushes chips away from the cutting area

·Optimized cutting parameters

2. Functions and types of cutting fluid

Cutting fluid is more than just "coolant." Its main functions include lubrication, cooling, chip evacuation, and rust prevention.

Comparison of common cutting fluid types:

3. How to choose based on the application?

High-speed aluminum milling: Prioritize cooling and chip evacuation. Recommended: water-based emulsified fluid or mist cooling to prevent chip welding.

Stainless steel/titanium alloy machining: Poor heat dissipation, high cutting forces. Requires oil-based fluid with extreme pressure additives or high-concentration emulsified fluid.

Dry cutting: Some hard cutting operations (e.g., hardened steel) use dry cutting with compressed air for chip evacuation, avoiding thermal shock that could cause tool chipping.

Deep hole drilling: High-pressure cutting fluid (oil-based or specialized deep-hole emulsion) is mandatory to simultaneously provide cooling, lubrication, and forced chip evacuation.