Published 10/25/2024

Precision Machining Technology Review: October 2024

Production Machining’s October 2024 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Ceratizit, Kennametal, Mate Precision Techologies, Horn and Mazak.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

The dynamic positioning optimizes chip breakage and improves component quality by changing the position during the process. Undercuts or contours, which currently require an additional tool, can be produced. With FreeTurn, shops can rough, finish, contour turn, face or longitudinal turn with the same tool.

Kennametal Turning Tools Improve Chip Evaluation

Source: Kennametal Inc.

Kennametal Inc.’s TopSwiss turning inserts are designed for Swiss-type small parts machining. TopSwiss turning inserts are engineered for low-feed, high depth-of-cut (DOC) applications across industries including medical, aerospace and defense, general engineering and transportation.

The turning portfolio features:

Four carbide grades, one cermet grade and seven geometries.
Straight and curved cutting edges for stable cuts and smooth chip flow in low feed, high DOC applications.
Polished finishing geometries for increased welding resistance and improved surface finishing.
Medium and finishing wiper geometries for increased feed rates and superior surface quality.
Several geometries with high chipbreaker walls and large pockets for better chip evacuation.

Mate Workholding System Maximizes Repeatability

Source: Mate Precision Technologies

Mate Precision Technologies has introduced a series of enhancements to its 52/96 zero-point workholding system. The enhancements include:

Machinable Hard Jaws: These enable users to create custom profiles from blank jaws. Customers can request Mate to customize the hard jaws with delivery usually in 10 days or less, or they can order blank profiles to customize in-house.
DynoGrip ER Collet Chucks: These collet chucks provide an easy and reliable solution for holding round parts during milling operations. The industry-standard ER32 and ER40 collets accommodate diameters from 2-32 mm (0.08"-1.26").
DynoGrip Direct Mount Vise: A wider body provides additional flexibility and allows for direct bolting to a machine bed, pallet or other fixture. It includes two 10-mm counterbores on center, 100 mm apart for direct mounting.
DynoMount Lower Profile Pyramid: This three-sided pyramid is designed for more compact machining spaces.

Horn Milling Tool Features Modular Design for Quick Changeovers

Source: Horn USA Inc.

Horn’s DG modular interchangeable head milling system is said to optimize the interface between the cutting head and shank for greater versatility, stability and higher changeover precision. According to Horn, this is made possible by the solid carbide monoblock design of the replaceable head. It means that the interface and the desired cutting-edge shape are precision ground from a carbide blank. The system achieves high precision through a guide pin, a precision trapezoidal thread and a taper/flat contact. The changeover accuracy is in the µ range. This reduces setup times and cuts production costs. The modular design enables quick changeover to a different cutting insert and the use of customized special solutions.

Mazak Smart Device Enhances Machine Connectivity, Security

Source: Mazak North America

Mazak’s SmartBox 2.0 is designed to enhance and secure machine connectivity. Building on the company’s original SmartBox digital integration technology, Mazak has developed this latest version with several features and enhanced connectivity.

The SmartBox 2.0 introduces message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) and open process communications (OPC) protocols, which improve data exchange and interoperability with a broad range of industrial systems. This version also includes an industrial-grade edge computer PC as standard, advancing its capabilities for machine monitoring and analysis while incorporating advanced cybersecurity protection.