Custom Cutting Tools Create a Competitive Edge
For certain machining applications, off-the-shelf cutters come up short. Here’s how to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve part quality with a custom cutting tool solution.
For certain machining applications, off-the-shelf cutters come up short. Here’s how to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve part quality with a custom cutting tool solution.
YG-1, Vernon Hills, Illinois, has added SV-Point spade drill inserts to its product line. The inserts provide longer tool life at higher spindle speeds and feeds than conventional spade drills, according to the company.
New retrofit systems make it possible to quickly, easily and cost effectively transform the standard external-coolant live tooling heads on turning machine turrets into those with through-tool-coolant capability. And shops that have done the retrofit are experiencing longer tool life, more efficient chip control and less heat generation.
Charlie Novak Jr. has joined Arch Cutting Tools as Arch Specials Business Development and Coordinator. He will be located at Arch-Mentor, Mentor, Ohio, and report to Brent Sheerer, with a dotted line to Jeff Cederstrom.
The evolution of toolpath development has taken two routes, according to Ben Mund, senior market analyst for CNC Software Inc., Tolland, Conn.
Smart chucks and zero-point locating systems, quick-change vises and modular workholding are good examples of advanced workholding systems, but you might be thinking, “Who needs it? Give me a 6" machinist’s vise, a three-jaw power chuck, some toe straps and a few T-nuts and I’ll make whatever parts you send my way.”
Whether your shop produces plastic injection molds, does tool and die work, or wire-cuts precision features on medical and aerospace components, you’ll want to check out the latest and greatest in EDM technology at IMTS 2018. More than two dozen exhibitors will be there, demonstrating larger, faster machine tools along with innovative ways to make them more productive.
On May 9, I took a whirlwind tour of change in manufacturing by visiting several open house events. First up was BIG Kaiser Precision Tooling Inc. in Hoffman Estates, IL, where Matt Tegelman, applications manager and product manager Kaiser, talked about the Industrial Internet of Things.
When it’s time to put threads in parts, particularly those made of difficult-to-machine materials, thread mills are often the right choice. Thread mills cut threads with a cutting head typically smaller than the hole, unlike taps that are sized to match the hole diameter.
Need a little good news? America’s seemingly insatiable need for electricity is producing strong demand for the components that go into power generation equipment.