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.
Micromachining, cutting where the volume of chips produced with each tool path is very small, is not a high-speed operation in relation to chip load per tooth. Rather, it involves a high spindle speed due to cutter diameter. The part may be physically larger, but details of the part require ultra-small profiles achieved only by micromachining. In other words, micromachining is not limited in scope to only miniature parts.
The presetting machines available today are accurate, easy to use and provide closed-loop tool compensation on the CNC machine tool, saving significant time during job change-over.
Here are some insights into the extra care and know-how needed to achieve success and build a successful reputation as a reliable supplier of micro machined parts.
Tool presetters are used to measure offsets offline to keep machine tools running. They quickly pay for themselves by reducing downtime on machine spindles.
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.
BIG KAISER, a leader in premium high-precision tooling systems and solutions, has introduced the R-Cutter CKB Type, a new modular round chamfering tool.
The Mini Indexable Boring Bar helps meet the increasing demand for successfully boring small parts in industries like medical and aerospace, such as machined medical implant devices and micro-sized components.
Tool holders play a critical role in connecting elements maximizing machining performance, however, several different styles are available and the most suitable one will depend on the operation.