Machines
Hard Turning And Cylindrical Grinding Were Made For Each Other
Combining different machining processes on the same platform has been a major theme in machine tool design for two decades or so. The Studer S242 combines cylindrical grinding and hard turning. A look at this machine shows that both of these machining processes benefit when they share the same platform.
Read MoreZero Taper In Abrasive Waterjet Cutting
Abrasive waterjet machines use a high-velocity beam of water and abrasive particles to cut thick materials. This "floppy tool" has a tendency to cause tapered edges during cutting. Omax's IntelliMax software and Tilt-A-Jet technology is capable of producing zero taper without adversely affecting machining speeds. IntelliMax controls the cutting paths to ensure that the machine is operating at the highest possible speeds at all times. The Tilt-A-Jet can position the nozzle at the angle calculated by the software to offset the natural taper from the waterjet. The tapering effect is moved to the scrap side of the parent material, thus leaving square edges (zero taper) on the part.
Read MoreApplying A High Speed Machining Discipline Without The Speed
In this shop, high speed machining makes sense at 4,000 rpm. While the disciplines the shop put in place made a new 15,000-rpm profiler dramatically more productive, high speed machining would have remained valuable even if the new machine never came. Acoording to a co-owner of this shop, high speed machining has no need for speed.
WatchApplying Magnetism To Smooth Cutting Tools On A Grinding Machine
An alternate surface finishing device available on a tool grinding machine uses magnetism to swirl abrasive powder across the surface of a cutting tool. This creates a smooth surface finish and precisely rounded cutting edges.
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