The RobbJack Group’s Crystallume division will present enhancements to its Mold Maker line of end mills that are smaller than 1/4" (6 mm) in diameter. The end mills are laser-measured and sizes are said to be accurate to 0.0001. According to Crystallume, the end mills will enable customers to manufacture electrodes to a higher accuracy.
The Mold Maker tools offer features specifically for electrode and mold manufacturing. They have a 5× diameter-to-flute length with an extended shank, and feature tolerances of +0.0000/-0.0005" (+0.000/-0.013 mm) for tools with cutting Cemented Carbide Insertsdiameters as large as 1/8" (3 mm) and +0.0000/0.0010" (+0.VCMT Insert 000/-0.025 mm) for larger tools. Shanks are held to a tolerance of -0.0001/-0.0002" (-0.0025/-0.0050 mm) to ensure consistent and concentric gripping in shrink-fit holders. The tools are also available necked for extended reach.
ANCA CNC Machines’ annual Tool of the Year competition gives cutting tool manufacturers a chance to build brand recognition and showcase the beauty of performance expected from ANCA machines. The main winner receives $10,000 AUD worth of ANCA parts, accessories or software and the winner of the most innovative virtual tool receives the full CIM software package.
The Tool of the Year must be a ground tool that is functional, high quality and complex. A panel of expert judges consider the surface finish, tolerance and functionality. This year the industry-first competition had two categories.
The overall winner, ARCH Cutting Carbide Drilling Inserts Tool, demonstrated excellent use of multiple iGrind operations with several complex profiles. The large-diameter (1”) multi-functional cutting tool with many features also stood out in terms of complexity of grinding. Overall, the tool was an exceptional effort from the team at ARCH.
ARCH Cutting Tools is the third American company in as many years to earn the accolade, highlighting that the skill and craftmanship of the USA cutting tool industry is alive and well.
ZMK received the runner-up award in this category for another outstanding effort with their contribution.
The entries for the Virtual Tool category impressed the Judges so much they found it impossible to split JG Group and Turcar’s submissions. They agreed that both virtual tools were complex and demonstrated gravity turning inserts great use of different cycles and operations.
“Both tools showed a high level of effort, artistry and creativity. When creating the Virtual Tools, both Turcar and JG Group used their imagination along with the power and flexibility of ToolRoom RN34 and CIM3D V9 to produce works of art,” says Pat Boland, co-founder of ANCA CNC Machines.
The Carbide Inserts Website: https://www.estoolcarbide.com/product/100-original-material-cutting-tools-t-slot-milling-cutter-square-carbide-inserts-mpht060304/
ANCA’s ToolRoom RN34, with support for complex endmill geometries, is designed to improve cutting tool manufacturers’ productivity in the aerospace, die/mold, general machining and power generation industries. The high complexity of endmills designed to minimize quality issues resulting from chatter influenced the development of Tool Balancing in ToolRoom RN34 release. According to the company, direct communication between design and simulation software packages has simplified and eased tool balancing.
While the ability to design and manufacture chatter-avoiding variable helix/lead and pitch pieces, as well as variable helix/lead pieces with angle changes along the flute, are long-standing software offerings, variable helix/pitch introduces uneven weight distribution throughout the tool and requires balancing at higher rpms.
To simplify creation of balanced cemented carbide inserts tools, a graphical drag-and-drop designer cutting edge replaces the constant helix ballnose option. This new ballnose cutting edge, featuring optimized irregular helix curves, becomes available when switching from 2D projections of the cutting edge to 3D projections. These tools are recommended for die mold, power generation and aerospace applications.
Grinding a standard ballnose cutting tool with the correct chisel angle and relief, straightness and ball profile line form is difficult, but ToolRoom RN34 has simplified it by automating the entire process. The end-user only needs to choose the proper chisel style and new cycles will populate the grinding parameters automatically. This enables center cutting of ballnose tools and eliminates wear and tear of the tip section.
Other features within the latest BTA deep hole drilling inserts version of ToolRoom RN34 include revamped ToolTypes. These include double-radius endmills, threadmills, lollipop cutters, countersink tools, pocket grinding applications, embedded grinding files, new grinding methods, chipbreaker operations, constant helix fir tree cutters, protection for grinding files, double margin drills, other enhancements in profile software and other ToolTypes.
Walter USA has signed an agreement to acquire the U.S.-based GWS Tool Group, a manufacturer of solid carbide endmills and drills as well as high-speed steel (HSS) taps and polycrystalline diamond (PCD) products. GWS is focused gravity turning inserts on highly engineered customized cutting tools for the American market, particularly for the aerospace industry. The acquisition supports Walter’s growth strategy in North America.
This partnership is said to increase Walter’s and GWS’ position in the manufacturing of advanced components and light-weight materials. In addition, GWS’ products will expand the overall offering for Walter in North America.
GWS will continue operating as a standalone entity with its own salesforce and brand. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2021 and is subject to relevant regulatory approvals.
Rick McIntyre, who will remain president of GWS Tool Group, says, “We are excited to pair our North American manufacturing presence and commitment to service tungsten carbide inserts with the vast capabilities, resources and expertise of Walter. This is a big win for our customers, who have always been our most important stakeholder.”
GWS Tool Group is a Fla.-based manufacturer of highly engineered custom, standard and modified standard cutting tools. The group has about 500 employees.
Walter, a leader in the metalworking industry based in Waukesha, Wis., offers a wide range of precision tools for milling, turning, drilling and threading applications. The company serves customers in the aviation and aerospace industries, automotive, energy and general industry.
Huot’s machine mount rack for rod peeling inserts storing and organizing toolholders mounts on the front or side of a machine. Designed as a miniature version the company’s wall-mount tree, the rack features a heavy-duty, 14-guage steel base and 16-gauge steel shelves, and is finishes with a scratch-resistant powder paint. It protrudes only 11", offering a shallow profile to keep shelves close to the machine. The two 14-slot shelves mount flat or at a -20-degree angle for tool presentation, and can be mounted at various heights. Durable nylon inserts protect Carbide Milling Inserts and securely hold toolholders. Six mounting locations ensure a sturdy, solid fit to the machine, the company says.
