How 6C Tools Are Optimised For Machining Hard And Brittle Materials

Machining materials like fired ceramics, carbides, glass and other hard materials poses significant challenges due to their brittleness and stiffness, making the role of advanced cutting tools more important than ever. In this landscape, 6C Tools AG, a Swiss manufacturer based in Zurich, has emerged as a leader in precision PCD cutting tools by laser ablation since its founding in 2015.

6C Tools' range of cutting tools are increasingly playing an essential role in CNC machining success thanks to their high degree of precision and remarkable wear resistance. In this article, we'll explore what makes their cutting tools so effective for machining hard and brittle materials.

Superior Material Quality

6C Tools specialises in cutting tools made from polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN). PCD, a synthetic diamond material, is one of the hardest known substances, while PCBN is second only to diamond in hardness. These materials have gained significant traction in modern precision machining due to their exceptional durability and ability to produce consistently accurate results.

6C Tools' PCD and PCBN cutting tools have been designed specifically to deal with some of the toughest materials, including:

• Ceramics (e.g., zirconium oxide, aluminium oxide)
• Tungsten carbide
• Glass and fused quartz
• Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs)

Innovative Manufacturing Process Of 6C Tools

What sets 6C Tools apart is their use of ultrashort-pulsed laser ablation to manufacture their PCD and PCBN tools. This innovative process offers several advantages over conventional methods like grinding or spark erosion:

• No damage to the PCD/PCBN structure
• Freedom to choose optimal PCD/PCBN grades
• Ability to create optimised 3D tool geometries
• More efficient tool manufacturing

This manufacturing process can increase tool life by five to ten times compared to conventional tools, while also enabling higher geometric complexity and precision.

Enhanced Thermal Stability

6C Tools drilling tools are designed to withstand thermal changes during production even when used at high speed with considerable heat being generated. They consistently retain shape and hardness, preventing damage and deformities that can occur at high temperatures. This thermal stability, combined with the inherent hardness of PCD and PCBN, results in significantly longer tool life and more stable machining processes.

Multi-functional Drilling Tools

The cutting tools produced by 6C Tools cover applications in drilling, milling, chamfering and thread milling making them suitable for specialised machine shops requiring tools to process hard and brittle materials.

• Aerospace: Machining advanced composite materials used in aircraft construction
• Watchmaking: Precision cutting of ceramic or platinum watch cases
• Dental: Drilling zirconium oxide for dental implants
• Mould making: Machining tungsten carbide moulds
• Punch Manufacturers: Machining tungsten carbide punches
• Electronics: Processing ceramic substrates

High Tolerances & Optimised Design

6C Tools manufactures their products to very tight tolerances, ensuring consistency and accuracy in every tool. Their PCD and PCBN cutting tools are designed to deliver higher cutting speeds, better surface finishes, and longer tool life compared to conventional options. For manufacturers, this translates to more precise results, fewer costly mistakes, and increased productivity.

Real-World Performance

While specific performance data can vary by application, 6C Tools has demonstrated significant improvements over conventional tools. For example, when drilling zirconium oxide, a 6C Tools PCD drill showed minimal wear after 300 bores, whereas a conventional diamond-coated tool exhibited high wear after just 15 bores.

In conclusion, 6C Tools AG has leveraged advanced materials and innovative manufacturing processes to create cutting tools that excel in machining hard and brittle materials. Their products offer a compelling combination of precision, durability, and versatility, making them an excellent choice for manufacturers dealing with challenging materials in high-tech industries.

Discover more about all the 6C tools that Rainford Precision has to offer by getting in contact with us today!