Cutting Tools

Realizing Large-Scale Savings On Large-Scale Parts

Converting big square bars to largely round tie bars used to require 24 hours per piece at Oak Products. The Sturgis, Michigan, company can now complete the same job in 8 hours. How did the company slash its machining times and realize substantial cost savings? Oak attributes the turnaround to process re-engineering involving aggressive mill-turning and tooling geared to stand up to the challenge.

Gear Manufacturer Gains Efficiency With Tool Management System

When producing a large number of complex, high-value-added parts, processes are continually examined and optimized, and this influences the style and numbers of cutting tools that are used each day. Avon Gear Company (Rochester Hills, Michigan) knows this first-hand.

The Case For Quick Change On Multi-Spindles

Even in the world of long-running, high-volume production on cam-driven automatics, quick-change tooling makes sense.

Self-Reversing Tapping Head Speeds CNC Production Job

When Prestige Precision Products (PPP), a shop in Rochester, New York, began ramping up for a recent high-production job, it made a substantial investment in new equipment dedicated to the project. Among the acquisitions were a new HMC with a pallet changer, customized tombstone fixtures for the pallets and some innovative tooling items. The part, an aluminum component for the automotive industry, had one hole to be drilled and tapped.

Inserts Designed For 90-Degree Cutting

Re-Designing The Reamer

This reaming system uses a multiple-cutting-edge, solid carbide cutting disc that can be changed as easily as an end mill's insert.

Rotational Motion Lets Turning Compete With Grinding

Rotational turning provides machined surfaces smooth enough to let turning compete with grinding and polishing.

Coating Process Provides Wear Resistance And Toughness

Chamfer Rings Add Features To Boring Heads

Turning Inserts Coated For Longer Tool Life