TOOLING:Basic &CNC Routers

Steel, Diamond or Carbide Router Bits, page 2

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If you’re big enough you can get carbide custom made as K1 to K30 ..where the number designates its position between maximum hardness at the bottom of the scale to maximum toughness at the top end (K30)..

Note that the “K” system (ISO international system, where K classifies only straight tungsten-carbide grades) and the “C” system (American based) are just two different naming conventions.  See link below for a great article on the history of this, and why the letters and numbers don’t really mean a whole heck of a lot, as industrial producers are not really following at specific set of standards.

Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD):

Harder again than tungsten carbide and significantly more expensive, these router bits are typically for industrial use where high speed and fast turnover on very expensive CNC woodworking routers is the name of the game. For repetitive high-volume CNC tooling applications, their greater dimensional accuracy after extended usage makes them the way to go. Test suggest they can last up to 200 times longer than a traditional carbide router bit.

We won’t go into detail here but wanted you to be aware that they are available, just not at a price the average consumer will consider spending.  

Next Generation:

Tests by Forinteck, Canada’s wood products research institute in Vancouver Bc have preliminary test results that suggests cermets, a ceramic-metal composite cutting edge may have up to four times longer life than tungsten carbide tooling when cutting wood. The ceramic component prevents heat transfer and helps to extend life. So keep watching for this technology to become mainstream in the near future, at least in the industrial arena.

Surface Coatings:

Some figure as much as 80% of router bits today have some form of coating. In most cases it is to aid in heat dissipation and prevent build up of wood resins that are counterproductive in that conversation.

Bottom LIne:

Router bits and CNC tooling in general are becoming much more specific, so working with your favourite tooling supplier and picking their brain for best tool-job spec relationship is the way to go. For the hobbyist, buy the "consumer" grade of carbide cutters for the ones that you use only occasionally and the "industrial" grade when you plan on using it daily. Carbide will be better and thicker. Understand that often you do get what you pay for, even if the eye can't discern the difference.

 

More Information:

Index to everything about Router and CNC Tooling

Get the real scoop on the history of carbide and the misconception on carbide grading. Its quite a long article and somewhat directed to the metal industry but an interesting read. click HERE