Photo courtesy of H3D Tool Corp.: High Definition Tooling

You know you need new tools, but which type of tool is best for the application? The following briefly introduces some of the different types of tools used to process solid wood and composite wood.

Brazed cemented carbide: They are precision ground in the factory and have a lower initial cost compared to blades and diamonds. Brazed carbide tools are ideal for small batch production or one-time work. They also tend to have faster delivery times for new orders or services; although the profile may change, the tools may become sharp. When using brazing tools, the tools can be stacked when a deeper or smaller profile is required. Hooks and scissors may be different within the stack to maximize cutting performance. These tools can also be applied to various tool holders as required.

Insert tools: These tools maintain their contour consistency and dimensional control (tool diameter and constant cutting circle), which facilitates the setup. They also allow the cutter to be replaced on site. Another advantage is that their service costs are lower compared to the sharpening and regrinding of brazed cemented carbide.

Diamond (PCD) tools: Although their initial cost is higher, the longer the run time that can be achieved with PCD tools, the lower the overall production time and cost. They can also maintain extremely strict dimensional control during the tool life, while at the same time having a high-quality edge finish due to the sharpness of the tool. PCD tools tend to run quieter and can achieve faster running feed rates.

PCD can be used in many types of tools to process various substrates. PCD blanks are produced under high pressure (1 million psi) and temperature (1700 degrees Celsius), similar to diamond synthesis-randomly oriented synthetic diamond crystals grow together on a hard metal substrate. This results in the material having the hardness, wear resistance and high thermal conductivity of diamond and the toughness of hard metals. Standard and complex contours can be realized for the cutting edge.

Source: H3D Tool Corp.: High-definition tool. For information, please call 888-544-3726 or visit H3DTool.com.

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