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This flexibility--plus quick and easy changeouts--greatly reduces setup and engineering time. Keep in mind, however, that modular boring assemblies should always be as short as possible to reduce vibration.

Digital boring heads are most effective in applications that call for tight tolerances or when cutting difficult-to-machine materials. In fact, some digital boring heads have adjustment increments as fine as 50 millionths of an inch in diameter.

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Furthermore, skimping on quality boring tools and accessories can cost more in the long run. Five important considerations should be examined when selecting boring tools and accessories.

Regardless of how simple or complex your boring application is, it pays to have numerous options and expert guidance when challenges arise. Make sure your tooling provider is up to the challenge too.

Twin boring cutters for roughing operations are fairly simple. They require only one setup, use no specialized equipment, and require less programming time than helical interpolation.

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This allows for faster, more streamlined precision adjustments. Bluetooth-enabled versions even allow for more efficiency. But perhaps most important, this technology improves performance and eliminates costs related to test cuts and scrapped parts.

Modular tool systems allow you to create tool assemblies for specific applications quickly and easily without the need for new, specialized tooling and toolholders. This is helpful in challenging boring applications because it allows machinists to troubleshoot with the components they have on hand.

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Improve cutting performance by optimizing tool length with a minimal number of components. Modular tooling systems are available for all common types of machine tool spindles, including BIG-PLUS for improved repeatable accuracy.

Dual-contact holders provide simultaneous contact between the machine spindle and the holder’s taper and flange. This clean mating of the toolholder and spindle greatly increases rigidity to reduce vibration.

And, as with many things metal cutting-related, many boring issues can be solved by troubleshooting tooling implementation, including lengthy cycle times, short tool life, and poor part quality.

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!

Optimize your boring applications with suitable insert grades and geometries. It may seem like metal cutting 101, but sometimes the details get lost in the shuffle.

Modular boring assemblies should contain no more than five components (ideally four or fewer), not including boring head insert holders.

Performance is very good as well. There is a good load balance in the cut for reliable and consistent performance and better chip evacuation because smaller chips are made. Finally, the plunging motion of twin boring results in axial load rather than radial, which better preserves machine and spindle components.

A common answer often is helical interpolation with a mill for roughing out holes, but twin boring cutters offer an alternative to helical interpolation milling that has several advantages.

Non-licensed toolholder manufacturers do not have the critical specifications necessary to make true dual-contact holders. The result, at best, is less-than-ideal boring performance; at worst, you could damage your machine’s spindle.

Matt Tegelman is senior product specialist for BIG DAISHOWA, 2600 Huntington Blvd., Hoffman Estates, Ill. 60192, 224-770-2999, www.bigdaishowa.com.

Vibration can wreak havoc on boring operations, affecting the speeds and feeds that can be used, shortening cutting tool life, and reducing the quality of the finished part.