Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is the use of software and computer-controlled machinery to automate a manufacturing process. Based on that definition, you need three components for a CAM system to function: Software that tells a machine how to make a product by generating toolpaths. Machinery that can turn raw material into a finished product. Post processing […]
Tag: cutting tools
How Broaching Works
Broaching is a machining process that uses a toothed tool to remove material in a consistent and accurate way. There are two types of broaching services, linear and rotary, which are used to produce different kinds of machining finishes, but in either case, production broaching is typically only used for precision applications and high-quantity production. […]
Reducing Heat Generation in Cutting Tool Applications
Heat is a natural byproduct with any cutting tool application, but it’s important that you know how to minimize it, as it will improve the life of your tool. Heat isn’t always bad and doesn’t need to totally be avoided, although, controlling heat will help prolong your tool life. Taking every precaution possible to redirect […]
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Slotting Efficiently With Miniature Cutting Tools
Slotting is one of the most difficult operations on a tool. Whether your tool is a 1” diameter drill or a .032” precision end mill, during slotting operations, a lot of force and pressure is applied to the entire cutting edge of the tool. This results in slower speeds and feeds and increased tool wear, […]
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Working With Carbon-Fiber Composites: Aerospace
In aerospace, working with lightweight composite materials is more than common. Standard tools and methods designed for working metal just won’t cut it when it comes to manufacturing aerospace components made for these specific materials. Carbon-fiber material is also very abrasive, so with a typical cutting tool that may last for several hundred holes on […]
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Millstar Profile Milling Inserts and Coatings
Millstar Profile Milling Tools represent the latest advances in both profile and contour milling technology. Millstar allows customers to see greater results such as shorter machining and lead times and higher machining accuracy. Customers of Millstar include die and mold machining companies, aluminum extrusion companies, high speed machining mold makers and companies from the aerospace […]
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5 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE THE EFFICIENCY OF HIGH-FEED MILLING PROCESSES
High-feed milling is a process that maximizes the removal of material in the shortest amount of time. If not applied properly, high-feed milling can create some improper results, which is why some manufacturers have begun to move away from the process due to what they consider reliability concerns. For machinists that would like to take […]
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4 & 6 Flute High Feed End Mills
High-efficiency milling has gotten a lot of attention in recent years as a way to substantially increase metal removal rates with solid carbide end mills on almost any kind of milling machine. Although, a common mistake is that many shops confuse HSM (high speed machining) with HFM (high feed machining). A High Feed End Mill […]
Artificial Intelligence WIthin the Cutting Tools Industry
Artificial Intelligence is digging it’s hole and marking its place in almost all of the industries we’re familiar with today, including the cutting tools industry. As more and more manufacturers turn to economical processes, robotics are seen as a way to increase productivity, improve precision and reduce labour costs. This has led to some speculation […]
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Vapor Deposition Techniques: PVD
Vapor deposition techniques are the preferred processes for thin coatings because the techniques produce products with superior hardness, wear resistance, smoothness and oxidation resistance on tools such as end-mills, drills and reamers. These thin coatings made through vapor deposition are typically able to function in unique, high-stress environments. Of the two general categories of vapor […]