Manufacturing miniature parts and features is not new. In the past, EDM and laser technologies were used to create these features. Although these technologies worked for low volume jobs, they are not practical for the high volume micro applications that are in demand today.
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.
There’s more than one way to finish a hole. The most effective option will depend on the number of parts, acceptable cycle time and tolerance callouts.
Deep hole boring comes with challenges created by the inevitable deflection that occurs when trying to finish a hole of a substantial depth. Various factors determine the best approach to solving the issue, and it’s important to consider all factors before choosing a solution for your boring needs.
Keeping pace with modern manufacturing demands often means bridging the gap between design and production. Creative and resourceful applications of tooling and accessories, such as angle heads, can get complex parts out the door.
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.
As lathes and turning machines pivot toward quick-change tooling models from traditional stick tools, tool presetters present benefits of keeping chips flying while reducing human error and increasing precision.
The limitations of using milling tools to prepare holes for finishing become apparent as hole depth and volume increase. Enter the relatively simple and affordable twin cutter, which can solve this and virtually any other holemaking problem.
Learn how high-quality boring tools and digital technology improve accuracy, reduce downtime and increase ROI, helping shops overcome common challenges and achieve more consistent machining results.
Machine shops of all shapes and sizes are facing more pressure than ever. While its primary purpose has traditionally been tool setup, tool presetters serve as both important tools and information hubs on the floor as technology advances.
Good measurements make setups faster, reduce recuts and identify potential spindle or holder issues before they become bigger problems. Let’s look at a few of the key areas to measure and the handy solutions available.