Fabrication and characterization of resistive double square loop arrays for

“This allows us to program tools [virtually] on a desktop before they are processed on the actual machine. This saves valuable machine time,” said Taylor.

The machine generates 51 HP of peak spindle power, has linear scales on its X and Y axes, and includes a standard six-station wheel changer that stores and changes up to six wheel packs. In addition, the machine uses Anca’s LinX linear motors for X and Y axis motion, has an integrated wheel dresser, and is automated.

Mikron Tool expands its CrazyMill Cool P&S milling cutter family, developed for roughing and finishing operations, with a toric version. The new tool combines the strengths of milling and drilling and is designed for machining stainless steel, titanium, CoCr alloys and superalloys, according to the company. The company reports that this drill/milling cutter can plunge perpendicularly into the material up to 1 x d and then continue machining laterally and it mills slots and pockets in tight spaces.

An award-winning writer and graduate of the Sheridan College journalism program, he has published articles worldwide in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical, infrastructure, and entertainment.

“Grinding carbide these days is particularly challenging because of all the different grades being used for specific applications,” explained Taylor. “We grind many different carbide grades containing between 3 and 10 per cent cobalt content. Using our new Anca MX7 machine equipped with more than 50 HP and high-pressure coolant makes fluting operations much easier.”

Besides the new MX7 Linear machine, the company has three other Anca machines, including the Fastgrind system for resharpening tools.

Solid-carbide ball-end milling cutters for aerospace applications require tight tolerances and fine finishes.

“Offline simulation offers Anca users the ability to design a tool away from the machine (on a desktop PC), not consuming valuable machine time,” said Riddiford. “The ability to look at a finished tool without having made it on the machine and risk making a potentially scrapped piece or finding an incorrect program movement is key. You also can obtain cycle times from the simulation that can assist you in quoting a job.”

Being in the industry for more than 20 years, Taylor saw Anca machines at various tradeshows. When he was ready to make a machine purchase, he talked to several people at shows, including Anca application specialists. This made him take a closer look at the machines and he saw that they were suitable for his needs.

Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of Canadian Metalworking.

The company also uses Anca’s Tool Room software, which provides specific applications for each tool produced at Taylor Toolworks, such as a step tool editor or a profile tool editor.

The machine can handle varied batch sizes with minimal setup time and is suitable for high-volume production for tools up to 1 in. dia. The new cylindrical linear motor design increases reliability and ensures a superior surface finish.

Recently the company purchased an Anca CNC MX7 Linear tool grinding machine because it met its demand of high-output, high-precision manufacturing.

With state-of-the-art 5-axis CNC grinding, combined with the use of good-quality micrograin carbide products, Taylor Toolworks maintains the highest tooling tolerances and creates mirror finishes needed for high-performance tooling.

“The Anca linear motors provide a superior surface finish with an accurate and smooth movement for the part being ground. These linear motors are tubular in their design, which creates no friction or heat, compared to traditional flat linear motors. You also have the maintenance aspect of reliability and consistently accurate movement versus ball screws, which were used in the past by many machine tool builders, including Anca,” said Russell Riddiford, president of Anca Americas.

“The pandemic definitely has confirmed the need to be a diverse manufacturer. We produce tools for all types of manufacturers, including aerospace, transportation, energy, wood, and plastic,” said Taylor. “When the pandemic first hit, we were called upon to make tooling required to produce life-saving ventilators. We were able to produce multifunctional profile tools that enabled part manufacturers to produce ventilators faster than ever before.”

The company offers a reconditioning service, which involves tool regrinding, tool recutting, and tool recoating. It also has an in-house PVD-coating Centre.

Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of Canadian Fabricating & Welding.

A tool for numerous applications: Milling of holes, ramps, pockets, grooves and sides. The milling cutter plunges into the materials that are difficult to machine. It cuts powerfully with high precision, stability and excellent cutting parameters, even into the solid.

Taylor said that the new tool grinding machine has allowed his company to have greater versatility in its manufacturing.

Jesse Taylor, president of Taylor Toolworks, Calgary, stands in front of his company’s new Anca MX7 Linear tool grinding machine.

Joe Thompson has been covering the Canadian manufacturing sector for more than two decades. He is responsible for the day-to-day editorial direction of the magazine, providing a uniquely Canadian look at the world of metal manufacturing.

Purchasing capital equipment can be a daunting task, but Taylor Toolworks, Calgary, found that with the right research and understanding of its business needs, the benefits offered by new technology can be a game-changer.

Keep up to date with the latest news, events, and technology for all things metal from our pair of monthly magazines written specifically for Canadian manufacturers!

APCs make automation easy. Integrate in-machine, single-level, or tower options to automate your operations, store machined parts, reduce labor costs, and increase efficiency.

Taylor Toolworks manufactures and services cutting tools for the North American metalworking and woodworking industries. It is the biggest part of its business. The company is run by President Jesse Taylor and his sister Kristyn Pixley, who has worked there for more than 15 years.

According to Taylor, the tools produced on this machine include complex profile tools as well as step drills, through-coolant drills, and form tools. Applications for these tools are found in the aerospace, woodworking, general machining, and even plastics cutting.

End mills produced at the shop have superpolished flutes, special-grade carbides, and special coating for maximum performance. Custom tooling also is made to a customer’s specifications for both the woodworking and metal industry. These include micrograin carbide inserts, custom-profile tools, and step drills.

“One of the reasons we gravitated to Anca was the ability to automate our grinding wheel changes. We can utilize up to six different wheel packs without any manual intervention,” said Taylor. “We produce complex tools requiring many styles of grinding wheels for the same tool. This is something that is key to our success. The accuracy and high-speed movements of this machine have also helped us produce complex tools faster than previous generations of machines.”