Precision Machining Technology Review: September 2024

Expand Machinery Mill-Turn Enables Flexible Turning Performance

Source: Expand Machinery

Expand Machinery’s Gen Turn CW 42MY is a small-footprint, eight-axis turn-mill lathe with a full-sized counter spindle. It  features milling capability on all 24-tool stations. A Y axis is featured on both 12-station tool turrets for off centerline milling and drilling. This universal design allows the flexibility of both efficient chuck and bar work and is well suited to provide for a completed part in just one operation. Both 42 mm, (1-5/8") bar, and 52 mm (2") bar capacity versions are available. Both 6" and 8" chucks can also be used for workholding.

The machine uses the FANUC 0i-TF Plus or the Mitsubishi M830 control and features two fast bi-directional indexing, 12-station tool turrets that use the rigid base mounted tooling (BMT) system. According to the company, the BMT system provides enhanced cutting stability and superior tool alignment characteristics over other tooling systems. Internal and external tooling can be mixed on any tooling station for the ultimate in tooling setup flexibility. The tool count can be easily increased using gang-style tooling by taking advantage of the Y-axis shift on both turrets.

The dual opposed main and counter spindles are fully synchronized for an accurate workpiece transfer, even on irregularly shaped machined surfaces. Both spindles feature a high-performance C-axis that provides 360,000 radial positions, as well as full contouring capability. Even machining four-axis simultaneous contouring features on both spindles can be achieved. The radial spindle position is accurately secured during cutting by a powerful hydraulic disk brake.

Morse Cutting Tools’ High-Performance Drills Enhance Hole Quality

Source: Morse Cutting Tools

Morse Cutting Tools’ Shear Drill line of high-performance drills are designed to optimize precision, durability and efficiency for a range of applications.
The Shear Drill line features drills with sizes ranging from 3 × D to 8 × D, intended for low carbon and alloy steels as well as cast iron. These drills feature an enhanced design and materials to improve performance and longevity.
According to Morse, features of the Shear Drill line include:

• Advanced cutting geometry: Can reduce cutting forces and minimize heat buildup, which can result in longer tool life and higher cutting speeds.
• High-performance coating: Can optimize wear resistance and reduce friction.
• Material compatibility: Designed for drilling low carbon and alloy steels and cast iron.

Monaghan Tool Supports High-Production Reaming Applications

Monaghan Tooling Group’s Diatool Top Speed Disc (TSD) is designed for high-volume reaming applications. The multiblade design features uneven spacing of cutting edges to create round, cylindrical bores. It arrives set to size and requires no additional setup, according to the company.

The toolholders are equipped with internal coolant as a standard feature. Available in standard sizes from 16-32 mm (0.63"-1.26"). TSD is well suited for high-volume, high-precision reaming applications in steel and gray cast iron components like yokes, engine blocks, rocker arms and more.

The solid reamer body is said to be more stable than comparable modular designs, with multiple connections to produce tolerance stack up. The body is a one-time investment, while the disc can be replaced to OEM specs up to five-times for overall cost savings and efficiency.

Paperless Parts’ AI-Powered Automation Tool Streamlines Quoting

Paperless Parts recently launched its Wingman software solution to make quoting from prints faster, more efficient and less error-prone.
Source: Paperless Parts

Paperless Parts’ Wingman software solution is an AI-powered automation tool to make quoting from prints faster, more efficient and less error-prone.

Paperless Parts Wingman is powered by a secure AI model developed to extract critical information from quote packages — including emails, prints and models — so that estimators can work faster, automate administrative aspects of setting up quotes and minimize the risk of missing important details. Paperless Parts first introduced AI assistance in its platform in early 2024, enabling users to extract metadata and key details, including part number, drawing number, revision, description and RFQ received date. Wingman builds on that functionality and includes the ability to automatically extract new critical details from prints.

Specifically, the software can identify and extract over 10,000 ASTM, AMS, MIL-SPEC, NADCAP and OEM-specific process/material specifications; identify thread specifications that may indicate taps, inserts or other hardware; identify common process keywords such as anodizing, welding and heat treating that may require additional operations; detect if anywhere on the print includes the words “CUI,” “ITAR” or “Export Controlled” to ensure files are marked and handled appropriately; and automatically extract materials from prints or metadata found within CAD files to predict the corresponding Paperless Parts material record. The company says it will soon be able to extract geometric
dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) symbols to quickly identify features that drive costs and introduce risk.

Kennametal Solid End Mill Improves High-Volume Production

Source: Kennametal Inc.

Kennametal Inc. has expanded its Duo- λOCK platform to include the Harvi I TE high-performance solid end mill. According to the company, it is a versatile, productive and modular tool designed to provide extended tool life on a broad range of applications and target materials.

Harvi I TE Duo- λOCK can provide users with higher metal removal rates and lower cost per parts, as well as higher volume production, shorter cycle times, less tool changes, less setup and downtime and reduced tool inventory on multiple materials and applications. With the Duo- λOCK coupling, it is capable of 1 × D full slot milling and/or 1.5 × D side milling at up to 50% radial engagement and high ramping capabilities up to 15 degrees.

The company says the product is well suited for shops across industries, but especially for medical applications like titanium and cobalt chrome.

Walter Turning Toolholder Features Flexible Coolant Connection

Source: Walter USA

Walter has introduced the Walter Turn toolholder with precision cooling and screw clamping (S-P). Coolant is targeted on the rake face and flank face to maximize the cooling effect. In addition, rake-face cooling helps break and control chips, and double flank-face cooling directly at the cutting edge extends tool life.

Users can apply a coolant pressure from 145-2,175 psi (10-150 bar). Improved chip breaking occurs when the coolant pressure is greater than 580 psi (40 bar). Optimum coolant application is said to increase tool life by 30-150%.

The toolholder features a flexible coolant connection: Direct coolant transfer to a VDI tool adapter (A21XX-P) or via a coolant hose set with G1/8” thread (K601). The turning toolholder provides a universal adjustment range.

The toolholder accepts CCMT3, DCMT3 and VBMT3 (CCMT09, DCMT11 and VBMT16) indexable inserts. The shank dimensions are 0.75" × 0.75", 1" × 1", 20 mm × 20 mm and 25 mm × 25 mm. Suitable applications
include longitudinal turning, facing and profile turning.