Accuracy is synonymous with precision engineering and while standard tools can deliver acceptable results, they often fall short when absolute precision is required.
No matter how high-quality they are, off-the-shelf tools simply aren’t always tailored enough for specialist applications. At that point you have two choices: either make do with tools that are “good enough” or invest in custom-designed special cutting tools which truly meet your operational needs.
Special cutting tools don’t just enhance accuracy, they improve your entire operation. They help position your business as a reliable supplier of high-precision components, while also expanding the range of services you can offer across different industries.
Still unsure whether custom tools are worth the investment? Here are five reasons you should reconsider:
Many industries now demand incredibly tight tolerances, often beyond what standard tools can consistently deliver. Custom cutting tools are engineered to meet these exacting requirements, allowing you to machine specific materials with precision, taking into account substrate type, hardness, and coating thickness.
Custom cutting tool solutions are designed to perform multiple operations in a single setup, reducing the need for frequent tool changes and minimising downtime. Features like extended reach or stepped geometries streamline workflow, speed up cycle times, and maintain dimensional consistency, boosting overall output.
While custom tools carry a higher upfront cost, they offer significantly longer tool life - often three to five times that of standard tools. Combined with faster production, fewer tool changes, and reduced scrap or rework, the return on investment quickly adds up.
Custom tools are built around your exact CNC machining requirements, from spindle speeds and feed rates to the materials and coatings in use. This alignment ensures optimal performance, more efficient cutting paths and better surface finishes tailored to your operation.
Moreover, custom tools with optimised chip loads, reduced cutting forces (through geometry and coating selection), and controlled exit strategies prevent workpiece deflection and residual stress further increasing accuracy and reducing the need to re-machine workpieces.
Standard tools often fall short when faced with intricate or non-standard features. Custom tools, on the other hand, can be engineered with precise rake angles, reliefs and edge profiles to handle even the most complex geometries, helping you maintain accuracy without compromising on design.
Integrating custom cutting tools into your workshop is a logical next step for any manufacturer who wants to improve operational efficiency and to grow their market share in those industries which require next-level accuracy. As well as resulting in long-term cost savings they can significantly improve the quality of your finished components.
Transform your most challenging machining operations with precision-engineered custom cutting tools designed specifically for your application. Book a free technical consultation with one of the team at Rainford Precision today!