Klein puts focus on the advantages of feed rate router bits

 Monday, January 1, 2024

In the world of woodworking and material processing, CNC machines play a key role and are the best solution for precision and efficiency. Router machines, in particular, are key tools that allow materials such as wood, metal, plastic, aluminum, and more to be shaped and worked with a high degree of precision.

However, one of the most critical aspects of using these machines is managing the feed rate and number of rotations (RPM) of the router bits, which can greatly affect the final result of the work. In this article, we will explore the importance of router bits feed rate for CNC machines and share valuable advice from experts in the field.

Klein Sistemi, the company who has been in the industry for more than 30 years and has become synonymous with high quality solid wood, panel, and plastic processing products in more than 60 countries in the world. Klein loves to experiment the newest possibilities related to woodworking and cutting tools. So, this time, they have enlighted the greatest possibilities of feed rate of router bits.

Let’s get straight to the importance of Feed Rate.

Why it is so important?

Feed rate represents the speed that the tool moves through the material during the routing operation. This parameter is crucial because it directly affects the quality of the work and the life of the cutter itself. An incorrect feed rate can lead to various problems, including:

1. Overheating or breakage of the cutter: A feed rate that is too high can cause the tool breaking, or a higher speed than the maximum RPM can overheat and ruin the tool because of the enormous friction that is produced during machining. These mistakes can quickly ruin the cutter, which needs to be replaced. This can greatly increase operating costs due to frequent tool replacement.
2. Rough Surface or Poor Cutting Quality: If the feed rate is not properly calculated including: material to be worked, machinery and router bits used, the final result of the work will inevitably be compromised. The surface of the worked panel may be too rough in this case or irregular.
3. Low Productivity: On the other hand, a feed rate that is too low may result in slow and inefficient production, with additional costs due to extended working time.
4. Risk of Damaging the CNC Machine: An excessively high feed rate could jeopardize the stability of the CNC machine itself, causing extensive and costly damage with disruptions in production.

Advice from the experts: Calculating the cutting speed of the router bit

Getting the best result while avoiding mistakes when working with CNC machines is possible!

There are a few key points you need to follow and a few ‘rules’ to observe. These valuable tips come directly from industry experts who have worked for years in this sector. You will have understood that it is essential to determine the feed rate by always considering an appropriate number of rotations (RPM) for the router bit, CNC machine and type of machining. Let’s see some more tips from the experts:

Consider the Material: The feed rate must be adapted to the type of material to be worked on. Different materials require different feed speeds. The harder and tougher the material, the lower the feed speed. Wood, for example, can tolerate higher speeds than metal.

Pay attention to the correct clamping of the tool on the machine: There are European standards to be observed on the correct clamping of the cutter on the collet, EN847-1 for example outlines the safety requirements for milling tools and circular saw blades for woodworking. This standard specifies the minimum clamping length of the tool below which one cannot work. All Klein router bits have a special mark for correct clamping – see image. It is recommended to stay as close as possible to the cutting edge because the cutter is subject to bending.

Consider the Router Bit Diameter: The router bit diameter affects the ideal feed rate. As well as the design of the router itself, our range of spiral cutters have different helix types and sizes. Each Klein router bit is designed for a specific machining operation and ideal for different types of materials.

KleinDIA DLC Anti-Friction Coated Routers

If anyone wants to increase the efficiency of his CNC machine, the best option would be the router before mounting it is the right way to do it. This is also called axis zeroing, measuring tool dimensions is a really essential thing for the following reasons:

• Accurate tool measurements to the mm or micron: radius, diameter, length
• No manual errors or distractions
• Analysis and detection of any damage in the cutting edge or router body, integrity check.
• Pre-mounting optimisation

Sistemi collaborates with m. conti, a manufacturer of measuring instruments with decades of experience in the field. Don’t underestimate the importance of properly setting routers before assembly and checking them afterwards to get accurate data on their integrity.

Conclusion: What is the ideal feed rate for the router bits?

The feed rate of router bits in CNC machines is an essential parameter for high quality results during machining and is closely related to RPM.

The correct balance between adequate feed rate, material to be machined and all the considerations in this article will help one achieve the best results while avoiding expensive mistakes.

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Tags: CNC, feed rate, Klein Sistemi, router bits, wood and panel, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking industry