Published 2/19/2021

Precision Machining Technology Review: Cutting Tool Technology

Production Machining showcases some of the latest cutting tool technology from Horn, Heimatec, Big Kaiser, Tungaloy and Inovatools.

Edited by: Angela Osborne

Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media

Horn Supermini Clamping System Increases Repeatability

Horn’s tension wedge clamping method for its Supermini system (which has 105 precision carbide tools) is designed to improve overall system repeatability. The clamping design uses a tension wedge on the face, rather than a retention screw on the circumference. This enables the cutting insert to be held in place with more force, which, in turn, makes the entire system more rigid. The company says that the improved rigidity results in a higher level of repeatability when changing inserts and also enables better use of available space. When working with Swiss-type lathes, the clamping method enables users to change the insert without removing the toolholder.

Heimatec Adds Coolant-Through Designs to Drill Head Tooling Line

Heimatec adds coolant-through designs to drill head tooling line.

Heimatec, represented in North America by master distibutor Platinum Tooling Technologies, has a coolant-through option for its line of live tools, angle and multispindle drill heads. Coolant-through technology can enable faster, cleaner cutting on larger and deeper parts where the chips and excess heat buildup are significant challenges. Heimatec offers high-pressure coolant-through designs up to 1,000 psi on straight and 2,000 psi on angle head tools.

Big Kaiser EWA Boring System Compensates for Cutting Edge Wear

Big Kaiser's EWA Automatic Adjustment Fine-Boring System.

Big Kaiser Precision Tooling’s EWA Automatic Adjustment Fine-Boring System is a closed-loop boring system that features an intelligent, fully automatic fine-boring head. The company says that when used in conjunction with in-process measuring systems, this boring system can automatically compensate for cutting edge wear, resulting in less scrap, improved accuracy and considerable time savings.

Tungaloy HPC SpinJet High-Speed Spindle Driven by Coolant

Tungaloy HPC SpinJet

Tungaloy has expanded its SpinJet coolant-driven, auxiliary high-speed spindle series with the HPC SpinJet line which utilizes coolant pressures of up to 7 MPa (70 bar, 1,015 psi). It ramps up rpm for small cutters with higher coolant pressure. The SpinJet is said to be easily adaptable to the spindle of existing CNC machines and provides instant enhancements in machining performance using small-diameter cutting tools. No additional machine purchase or modifications are required.

Inovatools’ Primus End Mill Offers Optimized Chip Control

Inovatools’ Primus HPC aluminum roughing end mill

Inovatools’ Primus HPC aluminum roughing end mill is part of the company’s ta-C series, which is designed to provide thin, hard, smooth performance thanks to a ta-C coating that helps shops achieve higher productivity and quality. With internal cooling and multiturning capability, the Primus is equipped to deliver consistently quiet, low-vibration, energy-efficient performance at high feed rates.