Continued from P25
Laser Takes Heat Out of Tough Tool Grinding
C
utting tool maker Shape-Master Tool Co. (Kirkland, IL) needed to expand its tool grinding capability beyond that of its conventional machines or run the risk of losing work to the competition. Its machines did an excellent job at processing traditional cutting tool materials and com- plex geometries, but as cutting tool materials continued to evolve and present greater processing challenges, the shop had to up its game. When Shape-Master Tool started grinding cutting tools 40 years ago, it worked mainly on natural diamond materi- als. Modern cutting tool materials, on the other hand, run the gamut from carbide to man-made monocrystalline diamond (MCD), polycrystalline diamond (PCD), chemical vapor deposition diamond (CVD), cubic boron nitride (CBN), and
ceramics. The range of tool types Shape-Master produces has similarly expanded from insertable PCD and PCBN tools to all types of form and rotating tools. To overcome the specifi c challenges posed by advanced cutting tool materials, Shape-Master acquired two laser tool-processing machines, EWAG Laser Lines from United Grinding North America Inc. (Miamisburg, OH). The laser technology not only enhances Shape-Master’s cutting tool production and allows it to tackle the tough stuff, it also signifi cantly helps the shop compete against larger custom tooling suppliers. With the laser technology’s produc- tion fl exibility, Shape-Master now cost-effectively processes jobs involving lot sizes that can range from 50 pieces to thousands needed on a yearly recurring schedule, all while maintaining quality and delivery times.
After only a few months of training and hands-on learning, Shape-Master began using its laser machines to also expand its product range and take on new types of jobs, including rotary tooling. Now, a percentage of jobs running through the
QuantuMike Micrometer
• 4X faster spindle travel.
• Patented ratchet thimble mechanism helps repeatability.
• Function lock helps prevent error. • Certificate of inspection provided.
ABSOLUTE Coolant-Proof Caliper
www.mitutoyo.com/qm4x QUANTUMIKE VIDEO
• Faster measurement with 2mm travel per revolution instead of the standard 0.5mm.
• IP-67 rated sealed housing is immune to coolants, dirt, grit and chips found in manufacturing environments.
• .0005”/0.01mm resolution with ±.001” accuracy. • Certificate of inspection provided.
SEE US AT IMTS, BOOTH E-5215 Mitutoyo America Corporation | 1-888-mitutoyo |
www.mitutoyo.com C M M • V I S I O N • F O RM AN D F I N I S H • P R E C I S I O N T O O L S A N D I N S T R U M E N T S • D A TA M A N A G E M E N T
December 2016 |
AdvancedManufacturing.org 29
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