Even when end users know what cutting tool assembly they’re looking for, finding the various elements in paper and Web-based catalogs can be time-consuming. It typically involves locating a tool with the correct diameter and adapter, selecting the appropriate inserts with the required corner radius and other features and ensuring it’s suitable for cutting the specified workpiece material.
In a test using catalogs, assembling a tooling package took 4 hours, noted Michael Taesch, project manager for Machining Cloud GmbH, which offers an “intelligent” cloud-based machining application. He added that the same task took about 10 minutes using the application. “It’s like an electronic catalog but smarter,” he said. “This is where the time savings comes from. You don’t have to try to figure out where the data is. It’s right in front of you.”
Taesch pointed out that, in addition to the selector section that helps locate tools using two “smart” filters, the machining application includes a tool adviser to help determine the proper machining parameters and a configurator to assist combining the cutter with the correct adapter and inserts. The tool adviser is available for milling and holemaking applications, with an adviser for turning scheduled for release in the near future.
Like all cloud-based applications, Machining Cloud uses a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage and process data. This provides vast amounts of readily accessible information, whenever and wherever it’s needed.
Courtesy of Zoller
Machining Cloud can provide CAM systems with complete 2-D and 3-D tool data, as well as article characteristics.
Kennametal Inc., Latrobe, Pa., is the first toolmaker to publish its standard catalog, which contains about 55,000 products, on the application. “They publish their data under the application name NOVO—process knowledge delivered via Machining Cloud,” Taesch said, adding that other leading cutting tool manufacturers plan to participate. “We are working on integrating their data.”
Software developer Zoller Inc., Ann Arbor, Mich., has also partnered with Machining Cloud, making its array of tool management software available to manufacturers. “With all of its products, Zoller contributes to more efficiency in the manufacturing process,” said CEO Alexander Zoller. “We give great value to forward-thinking partnerships for innovative products that create real value to users, such as Machining Cloud.”
According to Machining Cloud, because information provided by the application can be directly connected to CAM, machining simulation and tool management software, the application data is automatically imported and readily accessible to generate shop-floor documentation and tool lists. The application supports Microsoft Windows 7 and 8, as well as iPad and Windows and Android tablets.
End users can download the application free of charge. “They don’t need to register with us unless they want to create a job, which gives them a little more information and functionality,” Taesch explained. He noted the company plans to soon add e-commerce capability.
For more information about Machining Cloud GmbH, Stans, Switzerland, visit www.machiningcloud.com or e-mail michael.taesch@machiningcloud.com. CTE
Related Glossary Terms
- 2-D
2-D
Way of displaying real-world objects on a flat surface, showing only height and width. This system uses only the X and Y axes.
- 3-D
3-D
Way of displaying real-world objects in a natural way by showing depth, height and width. This system uses the X, Y and Z axes.
- arbor
arbor
Shaft used for rotary support in machining applications. In grinding, the spindle for mounting the wheel; in milling and other cutting operations, the shaft for mounting the cutter.
- computer-aided manufacturing ( CAM)
computer-aided manufacturing ( CAM)
Use of computers to control machining and manufacturing processes.
- gang cutting ( milling)
gang cutting ( milling)
Machining with several cutters mounted on a single arbor, generally for simultaneous cutting.
- milling
milling
Machining operation in which metal or other material is removed by applying power to a rotating cutter. In vertical milling, the cutting tool is mounted vertically on the spindle. In horizontal milling, the cutting tool is mounted horizontally, either directly on the spindle or on an arbor. Horizontal milling is further broken down into conventional milling, where the cutter rotates opposite the direction of feed, or “up” into the workpiece; and climb milling, where the cutter rotates in the direction of feed, or “down” into the workpiece. Milling operations include plane or surface milling, endmilling, facemilling, angle milling, form milling and profiling.
- turning
turning
Workpiece is held in a chuck, mounted on a face plate or secured between centers and rotated while a cutting tool, normally a single-point tool, is fed into it along its periphery or across its end or face. Takes the form of straight turning (cutting along the periphery of the workpiece); taper turning (creating a taper); step turning (turning different-size diameters on the same work); chamfering (beveling an edge or shoulder); facing (cutting on an end); turning threads (usually external but can be internal); roughing (high-volume metal removal); and finishing (final light cuts). Performed on lathes, turning centers, chucking machines, automatic screw machines and similar machines.
Author
Alan holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Including his 20 years at CTE, Alan has more than 30 years of trade journalism experience.
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