Form Tools Cost Effective for Some Applications
Many machining applications require custom solutions.
Share
Many machining applications require custom solutions. Form tools, which are custom inserts, are often a special order choice among machine shops because of the advantages they offer—cycle time, accuracy and finish—which overall are a cost-effective pick for machining a complex cylindrical profile.
The advantages of form tooling are made obvious in this video comparing single-point turning and machining with a form tool. The time benefit is especially highlighted: The in-out stroke of the form tool allows the profile to be machined in about one-third of the time.
Featured Content
This type of tooling is also more accurate than standard tooling because a turning tool involves two machine axes where a form tool uses only one machine axis. Fewer moving elements contribute to less error, which can make achieving tight tolerances easier.
Another benefit to using form tools is finish. With a single-point tool, inevitably there are cusps between rotations of the workpiece as the cutting edge travels along the contour. A form tool omits these cusps, because the entire segment of the part represented by the form is machined in a single plunge.
To read further about form tools and the additional advantage of tool life, read “Form Tools on CNC Lathes.”
As always, if there’s a topic you would like to see covered here, or if you have any comments about past columns, please email me.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Selecting the Right Milling Tool for Any Machining Task
High-performance milling cutters combine high cutting data with long tool life and efficiency, but certain factors must be considered when selecting tools for different machining tasks.
-
Advantages of Cellular Manufacturing
Manufacturing cells are used to minimize product movement as well as materials, equipment and labor during the manufacturing process. By reducing cycle times and material handling, these cells help shops more easily meet customer demands regarding cost, quality and leadtimes.
-
Tools and Technologies for Deep Hole Drilling
Understanding the challenges of deep hole drilling and knowing how to select and apply the appropriate tools will help a shop profit from this operation.
