Successful shops always look for ways to differentiate and innovate for competitive advantage. Cashing in on the entirety of a tool’s life with an advanced tool management system is perhaps the most effective way to do that right now.
CNC machine tool efficiency is all about managing the components that must come together in proper alignment: the machine spindle, toolholder assembly and workspace.
When that inevitable job arises that requires higher RPM output, operators are left with the choice of replacing the machine altogether to gain higher productivity, or looking into an attachment, like a spindle speeder, to close the RPM gap.
While the latest machine tool technology may go a long way towards eliminating vibration and chatter, adding a new one may not be realistic. Luckily, there are less disruptive options that can make positive impacts on vibration without breaking the bank.
When it comes to boring, there are several factors that can lead to poor performance. Whether it’s long cycle times, short tool life or poor bore quality, any or all these factors may need to be addressed in order to increase productivity. Although different, these issues are often closely linked in a given application.
Chattering and deflection have always been the bane of machinists’ existence, so much so that the sight of a long and slender tool holder will immediately cause goosebumps. If you understand why a long tool holder behaves the way it does, you’ll know that there are ways to fight back against this bending.