Thread Milling Cutters | Guhring - thread milling

 2024-08-09 08:12:04

“This is not to say that all titanium end mills are created equal,” Mr. MacArthur cautions. RobbJack, for example, applies its own proprietary concepts and innovations to end mill design. The differences may be subtle as well as significant, so shops should look closely at a supplier’s offerings, he advises.

For example, toolpath algorithms that ensure constant engagement of the cutter in the workpiece material are especially effective—and necessary—in titanium. Super-accurate toolholders with highly concentric, rigid gripping force address another requirement for titanium machining. A high-pressure coolant delivery system on a machine is advantageous. Of course, the range of end mills designed for various machining operations in titanium are now well developed and available from many cutting tool manufacturers.

Automation is no longer a luxury in manufacturing today – it’s a necessity. The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect job shops with experts who offer advice and considerations for this process.

Ceratizit USA has promoted Troy Wilt from national sales manager to managing director of Ceratizit USA, cutting tools division.

“Regardless of the type of machine tool a shop has for milling titanium, the principles of milling titanium are the same. What have changed in recent years are the options available for controlling variables that these principles are based on,” Mr. MacArthur says. These options create choices that are appropriate for milling this metal on many existing machining centers, he goes on to say.

End mills for titanium usually have thick cores to resist deflection, so the channels between the flutes are not especially commodious. However, they are adequate when light cuts produce thin chips that can be flushed up and out. This is true even for six- and eight-flute styles in which space for chip flow is especially tight. In short, copious amounts of coolant at high pressure (as high as 1,000 psi) greatly reduce opportunities for chips to become trapped between flutes.

The L.S. Starrett Co. has been manufacturing precision measurement tools in Athol, Massachusetts, since 1880. Attention to U.S. manufacturing often focuses on reshoring manufacturing from other countries, but Starrett never left. The facility in Athol employs hundreds and produces thousands of tools that remain vital for measurement in machining and other fields.

In the latest episode of our View From My Shop series, MMS Editor-in-Chief Brent Donaldson visited the JN Shapiro Watches headquarters and production facility where Founder Joshua Shapiro—a history teacher turned watchmaker—realized his dream of "making a watch from scratch and everything in it."

Mr. MacArthur notes that three coolant considerations are critical to machining titanium: high pressure, adequate volume and consistent flow on the cutting zone.

Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.

Lee Wimmer invited us to tour his second-generation family-owned machine shop in Perkasie, PA. This video explores the production processes behind precision-machined parts for both Wimmer Custom Cycle and LS Wimmer Machine Co., and shows how ingenuity and determination are still at the heart of American manufacturing. Today, both companies are now managed by Wimmer’s three sons.

All five Solar Atmospheres facilities are now an option for customers with Northrop Grumman requirements for vacuum heat treating.

“Cutting tool manufacturers have the right designs to do this, but it is up to the shop to put in place the means that protect this cutting edge,” Mr. MacArthur says.

New U.S.-based event announced in 2021 finally debuts next year: focuses on complete additive manufacturing value chain. More at formnextchicago.com.

Heidenhain and Acu-Rite Solutions are offering several hands-on experiences at their booth this year, as well as internal components that reduce energy use.

Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.

JD Machine, 2024’s Top Shops Honoree in Human Resources, embodies its “Education for Life” core value with a robust apprenticeship program and significant continuous improvement efforts.

Grant funding for workforce training or the purchase of new equipment is an undervalued but complex resource for machine shops. We enlisted an expert to help navigate the process.

The MarSurf CD 140 AF is designed to measure many different kinds of workpieces, making it suitable for a wide range of measurement tasks.

Q-Mark has built its metrology business by providing what customers need, when they want it. This goes for its IMTS booth, too, with free drinks alongside custom technology.

Dillon Manufacturing’s extra-long hard jaws feature extended reach, making them well suited for machining small diameters.

Join Mahr for an informative webinar to discover the latest advancements in precision measurement, designed to elevate your quality assurance processes and unlock peak productivity. It'll explore cutting-edge technologies — such as modern height gages and contour measuring systems — along with their applications, benefits and technical capabilities. Discover the power of height gages: Learn how intuitive and sophisticated height gages can revolutionize your measurement processes, enabling quick and accurate results in inspection and production areas. Explore the practical functions and ease of use that make height gages an ideal solution for manufacturers seeking high-performance and reliable measuring technology. Examine sample applications and industries where height gages excel, such as qualifying first parts, inspecting incoming parts and measuring series of parts in industries like aerospace, automotive and medical. Unlock efficient contour measurement: An introduction to the latest contour measuring technologies that enable fast, simple and comprehensive contour measurement in the production environment. Discover how these innovative solutions ensure reliable measurements, saving time and increasing efficiency while measuring a wide range of workpieces. Learn how to streamline your contour measuring process with speed and simplicity, achieving fast and precise measurements with incredible versatility. Register now and discover how to unlock peak productivity with new innovations in precision measurement. Agenda: Insights into the latest precision measurement technologies and their applications Understanding of how to improve quality assurance processes and increase productivity Knowledge of how to select the right measurement solutions for your specific needs Tips on how to optimize your measurement processes for maximum efficiency

“There’s a wrinkle in this scenario that is often overlooked or misunderstood,” Mr. MacArthur warns. “It’s the roundness of the tool shank.” A tool shank manufactured to a very high level of roundness complements and enhances the benefits of super-accurate, high-quality toolholders. This roundness directly affects its degree of contact with the clamping surface of the toolholder. The roundness of the tool shank and the quality of the toolholder go hand-in-hand, but most discussions of toolholder requirements neglect the importance of using tools with exceptional roundness. (According to Mr. MacArthur, the tool shank on a RobbJack end mill for titanium is produced to a roundness of 0.000025 of an inch.)

However, a shop with a 40-taper vertical machining center in sound condition should not rule out this manufacturing resource for effectively and profitably milling titanium. Mike MacArthur, VP of engineering and a titanium expert at cutting tool manufacturer RobbJack, has been promoting this point for a while now. Importantly, he does not take a purely cutting-tool-centric view of this proposition, although cutting tool considerations naturally become a focal point, simply because a systematic approach to milling titanium revolves around managing the conditions that enable an end mill to remove this tough material efficiently.

Part of Major Tool’s 52,000 square-foot building expansion includes the installation of this new Waldrich Coburg Taurus 30 vertical machining center.

The three smaller end mills shown above have four, five and six flutes. When programming a cutter for an operation that requires more engagement between cutter and workpiece (as in traditional roughing), choose the smaller number of flutes. Where less engagement is appropriate (as in constant-angle roughing, semi-finishing and finishing), choose a higher number. Machines designed for titanium machining can use a larger-diameter end mill like the eight-fluted one on the far right, although this rule about the best number of flutes still applies.

Heidenhain and Acu-Rite Solutions are offering several hands-on experiences at their booth this year, as well as internal components that reduce energy use.

Using a smaller tool reduces the contact between the cutting edges and the workpiece surface. As a result, less heat is absorbed by the tool. This strategy requires a programmed tool path and the proper speeds and feeds that enable this smaller tool to remove material efficiently.

AccuRounds has created synergy between culture and technology, driving a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Ever wonder what sets Top Shops apart from the competition? Dive into their award-winning practices and explore behind-the-scenes strategies for operational excellence.

Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Manufacturers continue to feel the pressure to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and meet their sustainability strategies. As the industry evolves to keep pace with these priorities, there are opportunities within metalworking processes to use less resources with advanced lubricants and technical expertise. Agenda: An overview of metalworking lubrication Evolutions in metalworking lubrication Experience on the shop floor Key takeaways

Job shops are implementing automation and digitalization into workflows to eliminate set up time and increase repeatability in production.

Of course, strong, sharp edges are not the only design characteristic that cutting tool manufacturers give to end mills for titanium. Common design principles include uneven flute spacing to break up harmonics that can induce chatter; helix angles that vary from flute to flute for chip flow; and a coating that is smooth, slick and slow-wearing to reduce frictional heat. Eccentric relief along the cutting edges is also typical, because it supports and strengthens the cutting edges, which are ground and polished for sharpness.

Machine tools designed for milling titanium are generally characterized as having heavy, rigid structures with spindles designed for high torque at low spindle speed. Large spindle tapers and high-pressure coolant are also typical. For multi-axis work, a beefy trunnion and rotary table may be provided as well.

The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will give shops of all sizes and production volumes key insights and practical guidance on how to implement automation.

Zoller’s open house in Ann Arbor, Michigan, provided attendees with a glimpse of the connectivity and efficiency the company’s products offer to users.

Roundness of the tool shank is especially important with small-diameter cutting tools, because the area of contact between the cutting tool and holder is proportionately smaller. Any loss of contact reduces gripping force significantly.

Features that save on training, programming and cycle times have enabled Speedway Motors to rapidly grow and mature its manufacturing arm.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.

Working closely with customers and making careful investments has enabled this Wisconsin machine shop to tackle difficult jobs with tight deadlines as a core part of its business.

Each tool setting technique has merit, and it depends on where you are as a shop and the type of work you do, as cost and efficiency all come into play.

Weldon Solutions is demonstrating three grinders at IMTS 2024. Though they differ in size and use case, all feature the company’s hallmark customizations.

Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.

Programming techniques that control the angle of engagement between the cutter and the workpiece can keep cutting conditions constant. Although the resulting tool path (shown on the left) makes more motion for the cutter than traditional paths, it enables the programmer to choose small stepovers and a high spindle speed that are right for machining titanium.

Learn more about the variety of technology and machinery Hwacheon Machinery America, Inc. is featuring at its IMTS 2024 booth.

When the right cutting tool, toolholder, cutter paths and machining parameters are applied intelligently, a shop may have more capability to mill titanium effectively than it recognizes.

Ever wonder what sets Top Shops apart from the competition? Dive into their award-winning practices and explore behind-the-scenes strategies for operational excellence.

The latest episode “Made in the USA” podcast explores a company that uses collaborative robots, one of the key tools helping US machine shops and other manufacturers compete with lower cost countries by automating production.

Looking to automate your shop floor? The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect shops with experts who can advise them through this transition.

Entrepreneur Scott Colosimo found early success in China producing parts for his Cleveland-based motorcycle company in the mid-2000s. This is the story of how IP theft issues overwhelmed the business, prompting Colosimo and his team to start over from scratch — and move production back to the United States.

So far, Made in the USA has looked into system-wide effects of broken supply chains, automation, skilled workforce issues and our perception of manufacturing jobs — examining each topic through a prism of individual experiences. For this final episode for Season 1, let’s look at one more system-wide question and bring it back to personal perspectives: Is there today a new dawn, a new moment for American manufacturing?

Machining this titanium workpiece, which could fit inside a cigar box, is a manageable job for today’s generation of machining centers. Details about the process are under the second heading, Really Cool Tool Paths.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

When it comes to utilizing the spindle’s power, there is a lot of headroom at the upper limits, provided it’s in short bursts. Be mindful of your time at these loads so you don’t stall out.

In this episode of Made in the USA, several executives and senior staff at Hardinge give their first-person account of how they formulated the plan to shift the manufacturing of its milling and turning product lines from its Taiwan plant to its plant in Elmira, New York, the major challenges they encountered and the rewards that made it worth the effort.

Modern Machine Shop is the leading publication and media brand in North America devoted to CNC machining. MMS combines unprecedented editorial access to manufacturing facilities with decades of experience to provide long-form content that is both insightful and impactful. About Us

Red markers point to contrasting forms of relief applied to cutting edges on these end mills. The eccentric relief on the left provides better support and protection for cutting edges when machining titanium than does the standard relief shown on the right.

Chiron Group combines the best of both worlds at IMTS 2024, featuring live demonstrations of their Micro5 and Mill 2000 machines, alongside a cutting-edge virtual showroom. This innovative approach allows visitors to explore Chiron’s full product lineup without the logistical challenges of transporting large equipment.

The choice between buying a new machine or refurbishing the current one will become clear after a thorough assessment of the machine.

Horn USA’s new booth concept is designed to enable attendees to (literally) get a better feel for its various tooling offerings.

Where permissible, however, using a six- or eight-flute end mill of a comparable diameter is a good choice for open, rectangular pockets, because applicable speeds and feeds typically reach 400 sfpm. This makes this tool very productive. The corresponding feed rates of 45 to 75 ipm are indicative of this potential. Six-and eight-flute end mills perform especially well when constant-engagement tool paths can be applied. Stepovers in X and Y will range from 2 to 10 percent of diameter in this case. High-speed finishing cuts that leave a smooth surface are also an ideal operation for this type of tool.

Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.

When Puneet and Neelam Neotia moved from India to the United States several years ago, they brought with them a family background in manufacturing and CNC machining. Now the couple is working to get their startup machine shop off the ground, sourcing new customers and getting the word out about their shop in Clarksville, Indiana. The couple — proud to publicize their "Made in the USA" parts — is leveraging family connections and manufacturing capabilities back in India, but not in the way that some people assume.

CoroMill MS 20 is designed for repeated shoulder milling, face milling, linear and helical ramping, full slotting and plunging applications.

Across a range of technical presentations aimed at small and mid-sized job shops, the first-ever Automated Shop Conference (TASC) offered insights into several automated technologies, implementation strategies, shopfloor training tips, and even the untapped power of automated coolant delivery.

Walter USA has acquired PDQ Workholding, intending to strengthen its offering of workholding products and develop future cutting tool sales.

Did you know that the show was postponed for WWII? Or that McCormick Place was expanded in the ’70s just to accommodate IMTS? A fascinating look at the show’s history from 1927 to today.

To put some representative numbers to this concept, he describes the following sample test part. A block of 6Al4V titanium (6 by 4 by 1.5 inches) was machined (roughing and finishing) with a ½-inch-diameter cutter with six flutes. The feed rate was 75 ipm and 400 sfpm. Radial depth of cut was 0.05 inch—10 percent of cutter diameter. Axial depth was 1 inch (two times cutter diameter). In this example, approximately 22 cubic inches of material was removed in slightly less than 15 minutes. To give perspective to the metal removal potential indicated here, Mr. MacArthur adds that, in a strictly roughing operation using this approach, a 1/2-inch-diameter cutter is capable of removing more than 65 cubic inches of 6Al4V titanium in 15 minutes.

Consistency is key for beryllium manufacturing, so the data visibility granted by Harmoni has swiftly become a vital, profitable tool in the shop’s arsenal.

Choosing the number of flutes is best understood as it relates to the strategy of managing how much contact each flute has on the surface of the workpiece. In situations where the flutes are more likely to be in contact with the surface, a smaller number of flutes is preferred. In situations where the flutes are less likely to be in contact, a larger number is preferred.

AccuRounds has created synergy between culture and technology, driving a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

In this webinar, industry-leading experts will demonstrate how additive manufacturing can revolutionize your operations and answer the question: Can you afford not to? From rapid prototyping to robust fixturing and specialized custom tooling, it’ll showcase the diverse applications that can drive your business forward in a time where cost and time saving can be crucial. Discover how to reduce costs, accelerate production cycles and achieve unparalleled design freedom through the strategic integration of 3D printing technology. Phillip’s panel of seasoned professionals will share real-world examples and practical insights to help you understand the potential of additive manufacturing. Learn how to overcome production challenges, improve product quality and gain a competitive advantage. It will explore the cost-benefit analysis of 3D printing — including material and labor savings — as well as the potential for increased revenue. Join this webinar to discover why additive manufacturing is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for success. Agenda: Prototyping example: quick-change prototype Custom tooling real-world example: press brake, tube bending die CMM fixturing and workholding example: CMM fixture and soft jaw

Ceratizit USA has promoted Troy Wilt from national sales manager to managing director of Ceratizit USA, cutting tools division.

This presentation focuses on the vital role that linear and angular encoders play in ensuring precision in machine tools. Attendees will learn about the common challenges compromising accuracy, such as thermal expansion, mechanical misalignments and vibration. Whether you're an OEM, integrator, or machine operator, this webinar will offer valuable insights into optimizing CNC performance. Agenda: Challenges to CNC machine accuracy Understanding encoder technology How encoders address accuracy challenges

Incremental mode can be more advantageous when programming sculptured surfaces or for certain hole-machining canned cycle applications.

Regardless of the supplier, end mills suitable for machining titanium may have four (or fewer) flutes and as many as 10 (or more). “Many shops get stuck when deciding the best number of flutes for titanium work on a general-purpose machining center,” Mr. MacArthur says. “Advice from a supplier on this choice can seem a bit mysterious, especially if the shop is new to titanium machining.”

When it comes to utilizing the spindle’s power, there is a lot of headroom at the upper limits, provided it’s in short bursts. Be mindful of your time at these loads so you don’t stall out.

“In fact, there are so many choices, it can be a bit confusing or intimidating for planners and programmers,” Mr. MacArthur admits. “The simple guidelines presented here can keep the cutting tool selection process very manageable, though.”

As the demand for faster production cycles continues to grow, the ability to produce high-quality parts quickly and efficiently has become increasingly important. High-speed 3D printing has emerged as a key solution to reduce lead times and increase productivity across industries. However, like any advanced technology, it comes with its own set of challenges. In this webinar, Forward AM will explore both the opportunities and hurdles of adopting high-speed printing with a particular focus on overcoming those challenges. It’ll start by discussing the fundamentals of high-speed 3D printing and how it differs from conventional 3D printing methods. It’ll then move on to the key factors that influence successful implementation, including the impact of materials, equipment and design considerations. One of the main hurdles in high-speed 3D printing is ensuring the right balance between speed and part quality. Different materials behave differently under high-speed conditions — and not all equipment is optimized for this process. Forward AM will showcase some validated materials and equipment that are proven to perform well under these conditions. In addition, the presenters will look at real-world examples and applications where high-speed 3D printing has been successfully implemented, highlighting the collaboration between designers, engineers and manufacturers. By the end of this webinar, you'll not only have a clearer understanding of high-speed 3D printing with FFF but also the practical steps and considerations needed to make the most of this cutting-edge technology. Agenda: Introduction The power of high-speed printing Know the process The practical side

Perhaps the most important way to protect the cutter when machining titanium is to provide tool paths that avoid conditions that overheat the tool and degrade the cutting edges. For milling pockets and wide slots, this can be accomplished by using toolpath algorithms that maintain a constant angle of engagement between the cutter and the workpiece. Today, most of the CAM software developers offer such algorithms, under a variety of names. All of them create a tool path that restricts how much of the tool radius can be in contact with the workpiece at any time. In a slot, such a tool path will usually follow a regular trochoidal pattern. The tool moves in a series of uniform curves from side to side as it forms the slot. The uniform arcing of these moves is rather easy to see, Mr. MacArthur asserts.

This drill bit kit has many applications. Use these sizes for carburetor tuning for everything from Karting to Radio Controlled to Motorcycle engines.

Though most frequently used for diameter measurements, an air plug and platen can be readily configured to measure perpendicularity.

The background to any discussion of titanium milling has to cover the issue of heat. “It is a primary consideration in crafting a strategy for milling titanium on any machine, but especially so for general-purpose machining centers,” Mr. MacArthur says. Excessive heat can quickly damage the cutting edges of an end mill and thus undermine the “support structure” built into the rest of cutting strategy. Titanium needs a strong, sharp cutting edge, because a clean, shearing action enables this material to form chips that leave a superior workpiece surface, absorb heat and flow up the flutes smoothly.

Understanding all the things that contribute to a machine’s full potential accuracy will inform what to prioritize when fine-tuning the machine.

Rob Guiao, Chris Hall and Bassanio Peters will demonstrate relatable situations to equip you with data to improve predictability, future-proof operations and maximize ROI. Agenda: Explore the importance of data in decision-making, especially for facility upgrades or new projects Learn how comprehensive solutions for manufacturing and construction projects can improve predictability and ROI See real demonstrations of machine integrations, facility layouts and automations to ensure proper throughput and integration

High-speed machining is the latest change at Blair-HSM South, helping this once old-fashioned shop improve productivity and morale while enabling new work.

Standards for surface finishes and profiles are not static; they change as technology changes or new processes come along that need to be considered.

This approach achieves an adequate metal- removal rate with lighter cuts. The lighter cuts, in turn, keep the individual flutes of the cutter in contact with the workpiece for a shorter period of time, so less heat can be absorbed. “And that’s how this strategy wards off the excessive heat buildup that damages cutting edges,” Mr. MacArthur concludes.

What is significant here is that the rigidity and torque requirements for machining with these parameters do not demand the capability of a large “titanium machine,” but are achievable with many vertical machines produced within the last five or six years. “The latest generation of 40-taper machining centers are more rigid and capable then preceding models, because builders are applying finite element analysis and other advanced design tools,” Mr. MacArthur explains. Thus, a well-maintained, newer machine is a candidate for titanium machining.

Super-accurate, high-quality toolholders are a must for milling titanium. The quality of the toolholder influences a machining operation in several ways. Secure clamping in the machine tool spindle enhances rigidity of the entire cutting tool assembly. The accuracy of the toolholder minimizes runout and contributes to consistent conditions when the tool is in the cut. Well-balanced toolholders reduce stress on the machine spindle and on the cutting tool, while also reducing causes of vibration. Super-accurate toolholders provide higher gripping force on the cutting tool, too. Because milling titanium creates higher cutting forces than milling softer, freer cutting materials, the gripping power of the toolholder is critical.

Once it had a bird’s eye view of various data points across its shops, this aerospace manufacturer raised its utilization by 27% in nine months.

Working closely with customers and making careful investments has enabled this Wisconsin machine shop to tackle difficult jobs with tight deadlines as a core part of its business.

Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).

Aerospace machining is a demanding and competitive sector of manufacturing, but this shop demonstrates five ways to find aerospace success.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

FABTECH 2024 will be held October 15-17, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center. FABTECH provides a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, discover innovative solutions, and find the tools to improve productivity and increase profits. There is no better opportunity to network, share knowledge and explore the latest technology, all here in one place. Future U.S. Show Dates and Locations 2025 – September 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL 2026 – October 21-23 at Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV 2027 – September 13-16 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL

This article suggests that a practical approach to milling titanium enables shops to consider the capability of existing machining resources such as a newer VMC. The approach is practical because suitable choices in cutting tools, toolholders, CAM software and so on are readily available.

Metalworking coolant has three functions: It provides cooling, lubricity and chip control. All three functions are valuable when milling titanium. Most of today’s machining centers have coolant delivery options that benefit titanium milling. Having a high-pressure, through-the-spindle capability is best, because it is the most effective for promoting chip evacuation. Additional coolant ports and “showerheads” are also recommended.

Job shops are implementing automation and digitalization into workflows to eliminate set up time and increase repeatability in production.

The Mill A Groove tool can be used to cut step grooves, convex and concave radius grooves, chamfered edges, angles and special profiles with a single insert.

Because end mills with a diameter of ½ inch or smaller are the best fit for the power and rigidity profiles of a 40-taper machine, four-flute end mills are a good choice for heavier cuts and for pockets with many tight corners. Settings that generate 125 to 200 sfpm at a 15-ipm feed rate are average for a four-flute end mill. Stepovers in X and Y that are as much as 25 percent of the tool diameter are acceptable here.

Weldon Solutions is demonstrating three grinders at IMTS 2024. Though they differ in size and use case, all feature the company’s hallmark customizations.

From quadruped robot dogs, to an in-booth putting green where you can test out a new golf putter, to a 3D-printed car and more, attendees enjoyed cutting-edge technology and innovations all week long. Take a look to see what (or who!) you might have missed this week!

When revising part designs, investigate the 3D CAD, the 2D drawing and the part’s functional requirements to determine which details should be tightened up.

Differential gaging measures using two devices, which has advantages over standard, comparative measurements using a single sensing head. These include the ability to measure size without regard to position.

When applied to an irregularly shaped pocket, the toolpath algorithms create a pattern that may be much harder to discern because it does not seem to reflect the shape of the pocket’s sidewalls at first. In fact, that tool path is designed to avoid burying the cutter in corners or during sudden changes in direction by removing material with a progressive series of circular and arcing moves. Although the offerings from different CAM developers may vary in terms of significant nuances or speed of processing, they all provide a similar benefit when machining titanium—the ability to use a smaller-diameter cutter at smaller stepovers and at higher tool rotations per minute.

However, this approach could also have been called a thoughtful one, because it calls for users to learn about titanium, understand its characteristics and apply basic principles knowledgeably. And any serious effort to master the machining of titanium must follow this call earnestly.

Thread Milling Cutters | Guhring - thread milling

You Might Also Be Interested In