How To Machine Composites, Part 3 Milling Composites

Mazatrol Fusion 640 is the name for a new machine control recently introduced by Mazak Corp. (Florence, Kentucky). The control is available on the company’s full line of machine tools, including horizontal and vertical machining centers, turning TNGG Insert centers and multi-tasking machines.

According to the company, this is not a PC-based CNC, although it utilizes PC technology. Rather than simply mounting a PC front-end to a CNC, Mazak has fused the two (hence the name). This fusion allows bi-directional communication between the two computers.

The CNC side of this dual-processor design uses a 64-bit central processing unit (CPU) to execute programmed functions for metal cutting operations. In addition, it is designed to extract information from the machine tool, such as servo-motor loads, and to use that data to suggest improved machining parameters. These suggestions are accessible to the operator using the 32-bit PC CPU.

With this two-way information flow, the control automatically optimizes the process. Instead of making trial cuts to tweak a program, a shop can get the information necessary to maximize cutting speeds and feeds before the first chip is cut.

A control feature called Navigator segments the cutting cycle into time periods. Starting with the longest time period, the operator or off-line programmer can "ask"tungsten carbide inserts the CNC for suggestions on how to reduce that part of the cycle. Drawing from its database, the control makes a recommendation. What-if scenarios can be carried on for every other segment in the program to find the best approach. The CNC looks at programmed feeds and speeds and determines what percentage of the machine tool’s maximum capacity, then calculates how much capacity is left and makes its recommendation based on that difference.

The control will be offered in three distinct versions, one each for the company’s turning centers, machining centers and multi-tasking machines.

The Carbide Inserts Website: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005874290728.html

Insert Drill’s Redesign Improves Chip Control

Platinum Tooling, an importer and distributor of live tools, angle heads, Swiss machine products and knurling and marking tools manufactured by international suppliers, is now the importer of Rineck shrink-fit tooling and shrink-fit machine technology in the U.S. and Mexico. The announcement was made by Platinum Tooling President Preben Hansen, at the company’s headquarters in Prospect Heights, Illinois, near Chicago.

Established in 1966, Rineck started as a job shop for small parts, then became a producer of hydraulic parts for the mining industry and is now a manufacturer of toolholding technology. Rineck says its investment in manufacturing equipment and commitment to innovation and R&D enables the company to balance of quality, consistency and affordability.

Rineck offers standard and custom shrink-fit toolholders with various connections rod peeling inserts including CAT, HSK, BT, SK, PSC and straight-shank extensions. In addition, ER shrink-fit collets are available. For added rigidity, flange or dual contact holders are available for CAT and BT tapers. A clamping range from 3-32 mm is possible for both slim and standard styles. All tools are available in inch and metric sizes.

Rineck produces a wide range of standard shrink-fit toolholders as well as custom tooling. In addition to standard 4.5° taper tools, 3° slim and extra-slim tools are available. Most holders come standard with length adjusting screws. Coolant delivery to the cutting tool can be achieved either through the center or flange of the tool holder utilizing coolant jets or slots.

In addition to shrink-fit toolholders, Platinum Tooling will offer shrink-fit machine technology.

Equipped with an surface milling cutters elevation cooling system, heated tools can be moved to a cooling tank with the push of a button. The machine’s design keeps accessories stored but close at hand during operation. 

For this new line of shrink-fit tooling and machine technology, Platinum Tooling will handle application engineering, sales and service through a network of distributors across the United States and Mexico.

The Carbide Inserts Website: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005875094850.html

Richards Micro Tools Rebranded as KEO Micro Tools

TDM Systems has released version 4.8 of its TDM software designed to optimize tool lifecycle management (TLM) as part of Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things initiatives. Version 4.8 includes a number of enhancements for multi-tool support, data import, wireless barcode scanner connection, and the ability to more easily and quickly generate solid models for tool assemblies, the company says.

This version of the software includes multi-tool data records that combine tool assembly data with a bill of materials to accommodate multi-functional tools with cutting edges for different machining purposes. Each respective cutting edge is assigned and linked as a single data record within the multi-tool record. When searching for tools, users can now see the search criteria corresponding to partial records as well as the full multi-tool data record.

Tool data can be imported from the tungsten carbide inserts MachiningCloud Internet-based tool database. This feature automatically assigns the ISO tool parameters from MachiningCloud to the TDM class/group structure parameters. A new menu tab in the tool assembly management shows the CAM programmer the required tool parameters. Depending on the CAM tool class, the programmer sees the associated TDM tool class with the relative graphic parameters and TDM parameter description.

Existing features have also been enhanced. Available since version 4.6, the Revolve Generator for generating 3D models from contours of rotationally symmetric items now works at the tool assembly level. The interface to the Casio DT-200 scanner has been extended in version 4.8 so that it can be connected to the system wirelessly. All issuing processes are made without caching, and offline transmissions via a gravity turning inserts base station are transmitted quickly to the system.

The Carbide Inserts Website: https://www.estoolcarbide.com/product/professional-manufacturer-for-shoulder-milling-cutters-and-vertical-milling-cutters-jdmt070208-indexable-milling-inserts/

Tormach Launches New Automatic Tool Changer

Tungaloy has expanded the multifunctional turning gravity turning inserts and boring capabilities of its TungBore-Mini line with boring toolholders that accommodate its unique XOMU inserts.

The company says its toolholders’ designs ensure secure ID machining processes. The design provides significant clearance between the tool and the hole surface to improve the evacuation of chips generated during boring or ID turning of small diameter bores.

Tungaloy’s angled screw fixation method employs an engaged screw that not only presses the insert against its primary bottom support, but also pulls the insert into the pocket wall. This design enables the use of a longer screw, providing strong insert retention and process security.

TungBore-Mini is a multifunctional drilling and turning Carbide Drilling Inserts tool line that integrates the capabilities of drilling, OD and ID turning tools. The geometry of its unique XOMU insert incorporates a large inclination angle on the cutting edge, producing lighter cutting than the standard ISO positive turning inserts typically used for ID turning or boring operations. TungBore-Mini’s insert and pocket also have a dovetail interlocking design that the company says provides better insert clamping and stability than standard screw-down insert clamping, enhancing process security during various applications.

Tungaloy has released eight variations of its boring toolholders for TungBore-Mini. These toolholders are available for minimum bore diameters of either 10 mm or 14 mm, with either a steel or a carbide shank.

The Carbide Inserts Website: https://www.estoolcarbide.com/pro_cat/common-turning-inserts/index.html

Pandemic Continues Machine Tool Industry Downturn, but U.S. Now a Top 4 Producer

Sugino’s Katana2 high-precision waterjet cutting system is well-suited for cutting titanium, stainless steel, carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, and other hard materials such as copper and glass into flat shapes. Featuring Sugino’s extra-fine abrasive nozzle, the waterjet is said to reduce gun drilling inserts gun drilling inserts cutting allowance, thermal effect and noise, and achieve cutting diameters as small as 0.012" at pressures ranging to 43,500 psi (300 mpa). X-, Y- and Z-axis strokes measure 240 × 200 × 200 mm. According to fast feed milling inserts the company, the system uses 60 percent less abrasive materials and consumes four times less power than other waterjets.

The Carbide Inserts Website: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005875549905.html