was becoming more mainstream, one of the bigger challenges for users was to just get accurate data on cutting tools,” he explained. Now, he believes, there is a need for other data as well. Cutting-tool parameter data, for example, that will show what material that tool is intended to cut, what coatings are on that tool, recommended speeds and feeds. “These are parameters a CAM programmer would use. You need to bring that along when you generate a toolpath,” he said. That ancillary data helps the CAM programmer go beyond avoiding collisions, provided by the tool geometry, to optimizing feeds and speeds for maximum throughput or tool life. Voegele pointed out that Vericut stores these cutting parameters (feeds and speeds, materials, etc.) for each cutting tool. “In addition to its function, such as drilling or milling, we know from vendor provided data how much the tool can be pushed and if you exceed the cutting limits Vericut can issue warnings that the program is exceeding tool limits,” he said.


The next level beyond avoiding tool abuse is optimization, provided by the


company’s Optipath and Force modules. OptiPath offers many modes of optimi- zation and draws on user experience for input, or can use tool performance data from sources like MachiningCloud. Force, on the other hand, optimizes using fi rst principle physics to determine the maximum reliable feed rate for any given cutting condition. Force calculates this based on such factors as forces on the cutter, spindle power, maximum chip thickness, and maximum allowable feed rate. “Force optimization can utilize even more tool parameters available from tool suppliers, such as material the tool is made from, helix or insert angles, and if the edges are straight or serrated,” he said. There are surprises in optimization. “What we are fi nding is that people are


fi nding problems identifi ed in Force that the shop operators were not telling them— problems like unwanted spikes in cutting processes or overloads on the tool. Now they can see them,” he said. The key is getting a richer data set from tool vendors. As an example of developments in this fi eld, Kennametal’s Novo is now accessible from within Vericut, making tool data easier to access.


Expanding the Utility Gregg Bigleman, TMS Tool Management Solutions manager for Zoller (Ann Arbor, MI), has an expansive view on this new world of tooling data enabled by tooling data


TRU TEMP® minute process operates at 200o


black magnetite finish. PRESTO BLACK®


black oxide for iron and steel. 30 F and creates a


cold blackening for iron


and steel. 20 minute process operates at room temperature and creates a satin black finish.


MICROLOK® MZN zinc phosphate for iron and steel. 20 minute process operates at 140o


F and


creates a matte grey finish. LUMICLAD®


process operates at 200o black finish.


black oxide for aluminum. 30 minute F and creates a satin


FREE SAMPLE FINISHING – Send parts & we test and provide recommendations.


www.birchwoodtechnologies.com TOLL FREE 1.800.328.6156


FOR IRON, STEEL & ALUMINUM


FINISHES


In the view of Zoller, digital tool management uses a single database and a central hub of information that connects all departments in a manufacturer with strong data output.


April 2017 | AdvancedManufacturing.org 63


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116