BIG KAISER Precision Tooling has released a new closed-loop boring system featuring an intelligent, fully automatic fine boring head. This system, when used in conjunction with in-process measuring systems, can automatically compensate for cutting edge wear, resulting in less scrap, improved accuracy and considerable time savings.

The EWA68 boring head has a travel range of .866" on diameter, and with the smallest insert holder, it covers the range of Ø2.677-3.543". This means that similar-sized bores on the same part could be produced with a single boring head. With the addition of two larger insert holders, the range can be extended up to Ø5.197".

Integration options for existing machine tools is accomplished with the use of an external industrial PC to handle the machine control communications and EWA boring head adjustment. Newer machine tool controls may be suited to handle the EWA software directly to achieve more seamless integration.

For lower level integration where in-process gaging is not present, a third option for implementation exists where the boring head adjustment is performed through manual data input into a tablet or mobile device that is used to control the boring head movement.