Precision Machining Technology Review October 2023

Tungaloy-NTK Swiss Turning System Provides High Repeatability

Photo Credit: Tungaloy-NTK America Inc.

Tungaloy-NTK America Inc.’s ModuMiniTurn modular turning tool system for Swiss machines now offers QC10 series featuring 10 × 10 mm square shanks.

The ModuMiniTurn modular turning tool system incorporates an advanced coupling mechanism between the modular head and tool shank, providing exceptional repeating accuracy for the cutting point when swapping out modular heads for new inserts. This system achieves repeatability accuracy within the 5 μm range, minimizing downtime during tooling changeovers.

Walter Turning Grades Reduce Machining Times

Photo Credit: Walter USA LLC

Walter’s new TigerTec Gold WKP01G and WPP05G grades are tailored for maximum performance when turning high-alloy, high-tensile strength steels. According to Walter, the turning inserts can reduce machining time from 20% to 30%.

Walter developed the WKP01G for finishing high-tensile steel and cast iron (ISO P01 and K01 workpiece groups) at the highest cutting speed. The grades feature a hard substrate that provides the highest flank wear resistance, while the multistage post-treatment process produces a smooth rake face to reduce friction and improve toughness. A sharp cutting edge with thinner chemical vapor deposition (CVD) coating provides precise chip breaking for finishing operations.

Renishaw Data Platform Promotes Connected Shop Floor

Photo Credit: Renishaw

Renishaw’s new Central manufacturing connectivity and data platform enhances connectivity on the machine shop floor, promoting highly efficient, productive operations with optimized processes, reduced downtime and minimized waste.

Renishaw Central collects metrology, status and alarm data from connected devices across the shop floor. Devices include additive manufacturing (AM) systems, on-machine measurements systems, shop floor gauging, and co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs). With insight into the process performance of each workstation, manufacturers have a better understanding of where to take corrective measures. In unattended processes, the status of devices can be monitored remotely. If any errors occur, they are detected and displayed within the Central platform's dashboards or other third-party applications.

Seco Tooling Lineup Promotes Optimized Part Processing

Photo Credit: Seco Tools

Seco Tools has introduced new toolholders, PCBN inserts, round carbide inserts and extra-long solid carbide drills aimed at applications ranging from general ISO turning to high-volume hard turning and deep-hole drilling.

Seco’s X-tra Long Solid Carbide Drills are designed to achieve fast, reliable performance in steel, stainless steel and cast iron, as well as Inconel, titanium and hardened steel. A specialized tool geometry and coating eliminate chipping and sudden breakage while minimizing flank and center wear, while ground-edge prep produces smoother cutting edges, greater evenness and closer tolerances than brushing. Seco X-tra Long Solid Carbide Drills maintain specified drilling depth after up to three reconditioning cycles.

Haimer Shrink-Fit Machine Features Integrated Cooling

Photo Credit: Haimer USA

Haimer’s Power Clamp Air i4.0 Eco is a high-performance shrink-fit machine with integrated cooling for all tools (solid carbide and HSS). According to Haimer, the machine is suitable for reliable shrinking and cooling of shrink-fit collets and toolholders. It provides smooth and clean cooling of all kinds of toolholders or collets by air, without dirt and water residue. When shrinking collets or toolholders, the scanner reads shrinking parameters from data-matrix codes to provide seamless operation and efficiency.