Custom Cutting Tools
When a standard tool cannot meet the required dimensions, reach or cutting profile, send MSU the part or tool drawing and explain the machining task.
For custom cutting tools, share the required geometry, material, coating and tolerances. These are assessed together before the tool specification is confirmed.
Show where the current tool falls short. Send the drawing or sample details with the material and machining task.
Discuss a Custom ToolStart with the Problem to Solve
Describe what the standard tool cannot do for your part. This gives the drawing a purpose and helps identify the dimensions or features that matter most.
- A size or profile does not match
- mark the required diameter, corner detail, thread profile or other cutting geometry.
- The tool cannot reach or clear the feature
- show the feature depth, access, shank or interface constraints and the required reach.
- A part requirement is not being met
- provide the current tool and machining conditions, the observed result and the required dimensions or finish.
A drawing or sample is useful, together with the workpiece material, operation, quantity and target date. If you only have a part drawing or existing sample, identify the feature and result you need; the tool requirements can then be discussed.
Send the technical file format you have available. MSU confirms whether it can be reviewed directly or whether another format is needed. For attachments, email Maria at maria@msutools.com; the website enquiry form can be used to describe the requirement.
Compare an available standard model with the dimensions or geometry your part requires.
Compare Standard and Custom OptionsCustom Tool Requirements
Define the part feature and the change you need, together with the application.
Carbide End Mills
For custom end mills, define the cutting profile and access to the feature. Requests may include diameter, reach, flute count, end geometry, corner radius, helix, substrate and coating.
Thread Mills
Define the thread profile and pitch or form, then the required diameter and reach. Include flute count, substrate or coating requirements where specified.
Holemaking Tools
Define the hole and tool dimensions, length, point or cutting geometry and coolant arrangement, together with substrate and coating requirements.
Carbide Inserts
Define insert geometry, substrate or grade, chipbreaker, corner details, tolerances and quantity. Include the mating tool or interface details when they constrain the design.
See the MSU Factory for manufacturing facilities and Quality Control for inspection requirements. Include any special tool requirements with your enquiry.
Identify the product family closest to your requirement before specifying the changes you need.
Compare MSU Product FamiliesDimensions, Application and Acceptance
For custom carbide tools and other special cutting tools, distinguish essential requirements from preferences. Mark the critical characteristics so that the proposed tool and quotation can be checked against the same requirement.
Drawing or sample
reference, revision and the dimensions that must be retained.
Fit and access
diameter, cutting length, overall length, reach, shank or other interface.
Cutting geometry
end form, flute count, corner radius, chamfer, helix or thread details as applicable.
Tool construction
required substrate, coating and edge preparation; identify any fields where you need advice.
Application
workpiece material, operation, machine, holder, overhang and coolant.
Acceptance and purchase
critical tolerances, required inspection documents, quantity, packaging and target date.
Project confirmation
The assessment determines whether an available tool fits the job or a different specification is needed. Feasibility, tolerances, performance requirements and the quotation are confirmed for the project. A dimensional report can be provided for applicable projects.
Mark the critical dimensions and acceptance criteria, and identify any specifications where you need technical advice.
Discuss Your Tool RequirementsFrom Your Drawing to a Quotation
The project starts with your drawing or sample and the machining task. Sample arrangements and inspection requirements are discussed according to the tool you need.
- Drawing and application. Establish the drawing or sample reference, revision, critical features and workpiece requirements.
- Technical assessment. Check the requested geometry, dimensions, substrate and coating together, and clarify any information needed to confirm manufacturability.
- Sample arrangements. Discuss whether a sample is required, the sample charges and how its result will be assessed.
- Inspection requirements. Agree the characteristics, tolerances and any available dimensional report needed for acceptance.
- Quotation. Confirm the product specification, quantity, price, payment terms and applicable sample and order arrangements.
Sample Timing
A typical custom sample may be targeted at about 10 days after the agreed payment and technical requirements are confirmed. Material, coating, complexity and project review can change that timing; the sample schedule is confirmed for the specific project.
Order Completion and Purchasing
Completion of the whole order is guaranteed within 25–30 days from order placement. Transport time and arrival are confirmed separately. Sample timing is a separate arrangement and is not the whole-order completion period.
See Ordering and Delivery for shared purchasing terms. The product catalogs can help identify an existing model when only part of the specification needs to change.
Check sample charges, payment arrangements and order timing when planning your purchase.
View Ordering and DeliveryStandard Tools and Custom Requirements
When a Standard Tool Fits
If an available model meets the required geometry, dimensions and application, include its complete code in the enquiry. Check the dimensional tables in Product Catalogs before specifying a change.
When the Tool Needs to Change
For a nonstandard dimension, reach, end form or other feature, send the drawing with the changes clearly marked. OEM and ODM enquiries are assessed against the drawing and application before the requested combination is offered.
Discuss Your Custom Tool
When You Need Another Specification
Send the product reference and the changes you need. Customization, private-label requests and commercial arrangements are confirmed for the specific product.
Not sure which applies? Describe the part and the limitation of the current tool in your enquiry. Email drawings to Maria at maria@msutools.com.
Start a Custom Tool EnquiryCustom Cutting Tool Questions
Can I request changes to an existing tool?
Yes. Send the existing tool reference and the changes you need. Available options, specifications and commercial terms are confirmed for the selected product.
What should I send if I do not have a tool drawing?
Send the part drawing or an existing sample reference and explain the feature, workpiece material, operation and result you need. Include the quantity and target date. Email available drawings or photographs to Maria.
Which dimensions and features can I ask to change?
Requests can include diameter, length, reach, flute count, end geometry, corner radius, chamfer, helix, substrate, coating and tolerances. Availability depends on the complete combination, not one field in isolation.
Which drawing format should I use?
Send the technical file you have available. MSU confirms whether it can be reviewed directly or whether another format is needed.
How long does a custom sample take?
A typical sample may be targeted at about 10 days after agreed payment and technical requirements are confirmed. Material, coating, complexity and project review affect the schedule, which is confirmed for the specific sample.
How are tolerances, MOQ and inspection documents agreed?
These are confirmed for the selected tool and project in the technical discussion and quotation. Identify critical tolerances and required records at the start. A dimensional report can be provided for applicable projects.