6 Cutting Tools for Machining Made Via 3D Printing
By making tools, additive manufacturing aids so-called “subtractive” manufacturing (better known as machining). Here are examples of how 3D printing balances performance, coolant flow and weight in small and large cutting tools.
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A seemingly simple milling tool made via fused filament fabrication aids in the flow of coolant through the tool.
- Tools get larger, but with latticing and other possibilities of additive, they don’t have to get heavier.
- Here is what I believe to be the first topology optimized cutting tool we covered.
- Another followed. This larger and more complex topology optimized tool was inspired by the one above.
- The cutting tool maker producing the tools at the two preceding links also makes drills additively, but tools are not its biggest opportunity for AM.
- To make the hybrid AM cutting tools seen in the photo, the milling tool form is 3D printed onto steel shanks.
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