Machining stainless steel usually requires cutting tools made from high speed steel for efficient performance. Commonly used high speed steels are M2, M4, M7 and M35 depending on the type of machining process. The most common machining process used on stainless steel is milling with a high speed steel tool.
Milling is a tool based process which requires a chuck and a milling cutter. The chuck holds the workpiece while the cutting tool is moved along the workpiece surface in a tracing pattern to generate the desired shape. The cutting tool must be sharp, properly sized and have the right geometry so that it can accurately remove material from the workpiece.
High speed steel tools are used when machining stainless steel as they can retain their cutting edge despite the high temperatures. These tools are usually coated to enhance performance by reducing friction and wear. Coated tools are usually made from titanium or cobalt so that they are harder and can withstand high temperatures.
High speed steel tools also feature special geometry designed for efficient cutting of stainless steel. For example, one type of geometry referred to as an equalizer geometry has a series of stepped surfaces which reduce cutting pressure and generate enough heat which is necessary for effective cutting. The tool should also be designed with a positive rake angle which increases the strength of the cutting edge and helps prevent chipping.
The cutting speed must also be taken into consideration when machining stainless steel. High speeds are required as stainless steel is harder compared to other types of materials. High speeds will generate more heat which is necessary for efficient cutting. The cutting speed must also be adjusted according to the cutting tool material, tool coatings and the strength of the workpiece.
The cutting tool must also be properly sized to ensure that it can effectively remove material from the workpiece. The diameter of the tool must be appropriate so that it can remove enough material while still providing the necessary surface finish. The depth of cut and feed rate should also be optimized to generate an effective cut.
The feed rate is critical when machining stainless steel as too high of a feed rate can lead to poor surface finish, poor dimensional accuracy and poor edge quality. The feed rate should be chosen according to the cutting tool material, tool coating and the strength of the workpiece. The feed rate should also take into account the cutting speed and the cutting tool material.
In conclusion, when machining stainless steel it is important to use the correct cutting tools and cutting parameters to ensure efficient and accurate performance. High speed steel tools with appropriate geometry must be used to achieve the desired results. The cutting speed, depth of cut and feed rate must also be considered to ensure that the cutting process is efficient and accurate.
