Modern machines are a marvel, and not just the digital ones. Yes, smartphones that can instantly connect us face-to-face with people worldwide are impressive, but so are the machines that harness digital technology to create and shape tangible materials you can hold in your hands.
CNC routers are such a machine. The computer relay controls where and how precisely the router bit makes its cuts and engravings until you have exactly the pieces and parts you need. However, you can’t just use any bit and expect the same results.
Before choosing a CNC router bit, here are a few things to consider.
The Right Material
Right off the bat, you need to ensure that your router bit is strong enough and compatible with the material you’re cutting. You’ll need a different bit for cutting metal than wood.
For example, diamond router end mills can cut through granite and stainless steel, but you’ll need a router bit with higher hardness and improved endurance. In contrast, softwood or even Styrofoam requires router bits with standard hardness strength.
Equipment from industry leaders like CanCam CNC Machines will work perfectly with any material, so long as you get the corresponding router bit.
Speed and Feed Rates
There are technical measurements to ensure you get a suitable bit, given the material. The “feed rate” refers to how quickly the router bit will cut through the material, measured in inches per minute or feet per minute.
The “speed rate” refers to the speed of the spindle, measured in revolutions per minute, or RPMs. You need to factor in both variables, which are interconnected when cutting. For example, you can get a quicker feed rate by boosting the RPMs, but if your feed rate is too low or your spindle is revolving too quickly, you could overheat the router bit, resulting in it melting or burning.
Chip Load
When the CNC router hacks away at a material, the volume of sawdust-looking discarded material per router bit RPM is known as the chip load. If the chip load is too low or high, it could affect the accuracy and precision of the cuts.
For example, it’s better for the chip load to be high, not small, because small chip loads don’t get removed as quickly, which can cause overheating, which in turn causes bit damage and imprecise cuts. However, the issue isn’t that simple since lubrication and cooling systems also impact heating.
Length and Diameter
CNC router bits that are wider and shorter tend to be tougher and more durable. The longer the router bit is, the more likely it is to bend and break.
Ensure the cutting length isn’t longer than four times the diameter, and you should be fine.
CNC routers have unlocked enormous potential for a range of people and industries, from artists working alone in a studio to major manufacturers. Get the right machine and keep the above tips about router bit selection in mind, and you’ll enjoy a machine that provides years of precise cuts.
