Due to the characteristics of high machining accuracy, high machining efficiency, concentrated machining processes, and fewer part clamping times, CNC machine tools are required to be used with higher precision. In terms of tool performance, CNC tools should be higher than those used in ordinary machine tools.

When choosing CNC cutting tools, the first priority should be to choose standard cutting tools, and when necessary, various high-efficiency composite cutting tools and special special cutting tools can be selected. When selecting standard CNC tools, various advanced tools should be selected as much as possible based on the actual situation, such as indexable tools, integral hard alloy tools, ceramic tools, etc.

When selecting CNC machining tools, the following aspects should also be considered:

(1) The type, specifications, and accuracy level of CNC cutting tools should be able to meet the machining requirements, and the tool material should be suitable for the workpiece material.

(2) Good cutting performance. In order to adapt to the use of large back feed and high feed rate in rough machining or machining of difficult to machine materials, the tool should have the ability to withstand high-speed cutting and strong cutting performance. At the same time, the same batch of cutting tools must be stable in terms of cutting performance and tool life, in order to achieve tool replacement according to tool life or management of tool life by the CNC system.

(3) High precision. To meet the requirements of high precision and automatic tool changing in CNC machining, the tool must have high precision, such as the radial dimension accuracy of some integral end mills reaching up to 0.005mm.

(4) High reliability. To ensure that unexpected tool damage and potential defects do not occur during CNC machining, which may affect the smooth progress of the machining process, it is required that the tool and its associated accessories must have good reliability and strong adaptability.

(5) High durability. The cutting tools used in CNC machining, whether in rough or precision machining, should have higher durability than those used in ordinary machine tool machining, in order to minimize the frequency of tool replacement or grinding and tool alignment, thereby improving the machining efficiency of CNC machine tools and ensuring machining quality.

(6) Good chip breaking and removal performance. In CNC machining, chip breakage and chip removal cannot be handled manually in a timely manner like in ordinary machine tool machining. Chips are easily entangled on the tool and workpiece, which can damage the tool and scratch the machined surface of the workpiece, and even cause injuries and equipment accidents, affecting machining quality and safe operation of the machine tool. Therefore, it is required that the tool has good chip breakage and chip removal performance.