When to Choose Custom Tooling
While most shops try to use standard, off-the-shelf cutting tools for as many operations as possible, it is often more cost effective to invest in custom tools.
Form tools are an example of an application-specific, custom cutting tool.
While most shops try to use standard, off-the-shelf cutting tools for as many operations as possible, it is often more cost effective to invest in custom tools. The article “When to Consider Customized Cutting Tools” looks at some of the justification criteria for making the standard versus custom tool decision.
While looking through a tooling catalog, it seems there simply can’t be room for another cutting tool configuration. There are so many. Truth be told, most so-called standard tools began as a custom grind for a specific application.
Successfully applied, the popularity of a specific tool leads to its more widespread usage and eventually the economics justify producing it as a standard tool. Shops looking at making the decision to buy standard or order custom need to evaluate several considerations. This article explains the decision process and question one needs to ask and answer.
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