Given the advantages of multitasking machines, it is not surprising that this combination method is applied to cutting tools (in the form of composite tools). In recent years, in order to meet the needs of users, tool manufacturers are increasingly focusing on high-efficiency cutting (HPC). For successful machining, it is not only the cutting speed, but also the cutting performance (efficiency) and processing reliability.

Walter's Tiger-tec carbide tool materials and Xtra-tec series tools are designed to meet the market competition requirements of the shop floor in terms of cutting performance and process reliability. The combination of Tiger-tec tool material, cutting edge geometry and the standard range of Xtra-tec blades greatly increases productivity. At present, the company can also provide special tools with the same advantages in shorter delivery times.

According to Walter, special tools designed for specific machining purposes account for about 20% of all machining tools, and their proportions continue to increase. Special tools are developed, manufactured and optimized for the specific requirements of a particular process. The selection of special tools also includes full-order machining tools (ie composite tools). A composite tool can usually be machined in two or more processes and, thanks to its special design, achieves the same level of machining quality as a single-function tool. In addition, because there is no need to change the tool during machining, the processing cost can be reduced and the production process can be optimized. However, the current number of “composite” and “applicable” tools is only a small fraction of the dedicated tool market.

Jim Strolberg, vice president of technology at Walter USA, emphasizes that full-order machining tools are only used in machining applications that increase economics (such as mass production). “Users often ask us to develop full-order machining tools to reduce the number of tool changes and increase tool life,” he said.

A solid carbide graded drill is a typical example of a simple composite tool design. The drill bit combines the steps of drilling the core hole, drilling and chamfering, and can prepare the process for the subsequent taper hole processing. The drill is suitable for four-stage apertures and one chamfering process and can replace five single-function tools. Many tool manufacturers have already supplied this tool to the market as a standard range of products with different diameter ranges. For example, the tool can be used to machine a workpiece bore that has both a threaded bevel and/or a countersunk screw step. This type of graded drill is a universal tool developed for different bore sizes and tolerances. In contrast, multi-stage boring tools, although highly efficient, are often specialized tools developed for specific machining.

Composite tools with graded diameter, height and fixed tolerance specifications are designed for specific machining applications. This special compound tool cannot be used if the workpiece has changed. Since the price of this composite tool is much more expensive than the price of several single-function tools, the batch size of the workpiece processed with the composite tool should be larger and more cost-effective. According to the relevant cost-effectiveness studies, the use of single-function tools is generally more economical in small batch processes, as these tools can also be used for the machining of different workpieces.

Standardization of composite tools

Walter's range of tools and tool holders are designed to meet the needs of specialized tools. The user has the same high cutting speed, high cutting performance and high machining reliability as standard tools in full-sequence machining. Although for non-standard tools, production time usually means a long lead time. The more complex the machining process, the more time is required to invest in the design, manufacture and delivery of the tool. Mr. Strolberg pointed out that in the absence of stock in stock, standard tools can usually be delivered globally within 24 hours, while designing and manufacturing a dedicated tool can take several weeks. In order to shorten the lead time, Walter is using standard parts to produce special tools. In addition, user services are further improved by providing customized processing solutions in a shorter time period.

In order to shorten the preparation time for purchasing tools, Walter also offers the Novex Express service. This service concept includes combining standard requirements with dedicated requirements. By filling out a data sheet and listing the specifications required for custom machining tools, the shop can speed up tool customization and reduce lead times. Based on this data, Walter can determine which standard parts are available and what changes need to be made to significantly reduce the time it takes to quote customers. Because each item of the RFQ data form is precisely defined, it is quick to calculate and issue a quotation in a timely manner.

The Novex Express service allows Walter to share a database at manufacturing facilities around the world. The database contains detailed drawings and procedures for complex, specialized tools that have been designed for customers, which allows Walter's field sales engineers to provide engineered tools for customers with similar processing needs. In addition, the preparation time for the production of these tools is generally reduced by about half compared to normal. The Novex Express service can also be used for machining that requires only minor modifications to the tool, such as lengthening the standard tool to be slightly longer or thicker.

Strolberg pointed out that although the number of composite tools produced by Walter has changed little in recent years, these tools have always played an important role. The key to the successful application of composite tools is to determine the conditions under which composite tools should be used for cost-effective and timely delivery of custom tools.

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