Zone: Turning Tools

Video: Form Tools On CNC Lathes

Form tools are traditionally associated with non-CNC machines, but in certain applications they make sense on modern machines as well.

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Why Y?
9/30/2011 Modern Machine Shop: This toolholder takes advantage of a Swiss-type’s Y-axis motion to approach and engage the barstock from the side, which helps prevent “bird nesting.”
Tooling up for Micromachining
9/26/2011 Production Machining: Choosing the right tools and matching them to the correct operations and process techniques for micromachining applications is critical to success in this burgeoning market.
Precision Lathe Operations on a CNC Mill
7/21/2011 Production Machining: Sometimes a shop doesn’t do enough turning work to justify the purchase of a CNC lathe. But when it needs to produce precision turned parts, even if for a very small lot size, the shop needs a solution.
Swiss Tools for Micro Grooving, Turning
4/7/2011 Modern Machine Shop: Designed for micro turning and grooving applications in Swiss-type machines, the Multidec 1600 series tools use inserts ranging from 0.0019" to 0.108" thick with cutting edge repeatability of 0.004".
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4/5/2011 Modern Machine Shop: The company’s Form-A-Groove tooling can generate complex profiles in a single plunge.

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Overview Of:
Turning Tools

Turning involves a fixed and non-rotating cutter, because in turning, the workpiece spins instead of the tool. Turning tools typically consist of a replaceable insert in a turning tool body. The insert can be distinctive in a number of ways, including shape, material, coating and geometry. The shape can be round to maximize edge strength, diamond-shaped to allow a sharp point to cut fine features, square, or even octagonal to increase the number of separate edges that can be applied as one edge after another wears out. The material is typically carbide, though ceramic, cermet or diamond inserts can be applied to more demanding applications. A variety of protective coatings also help these insert materials cut faster and last longer. The geometry of the insert generally relates to its cutting angles, though the tool may also include a complex chipbreaker pattern that prevents long unbroken chips from becoming entangled in the cut. The turning tool body generally does not feature quite so much engineering, but even here there are a range of choices for fine-tuning the process. Quick-change tools involve modular bodies that allow replacement tool bodies to be swapped in and out and locked in place quickly to minimize setup time. The turning tool body can also channel high-pressure coolant more effectively to the cutting edge of the tool.