The single most significant benefit offered by indexable tools is the ability to renew the cutting edge without having to remove the cutting tool from production.
Five-axis programming is difficult, requires an expensive CAM system and an even more-expensive programmer to sit in front of a computer all day cranking out complicated G code. Right? Not necessarily.
END USER: Ramona Enache, +31 634-824-992, www.tothepointer.com; SOLUTION PROVIDERS: DP Technology Corp., (800) 627-8479, www.espritcam.com; Logicad Solutions srl, www.logicad.ro; CHALLENGE: Design metal parts for a wine glass that sticks into the ground. SOLUTION: CAM software that defines all the machining operations, cutting tools and machining parameters.
END USER: RJ Enterprises, (310) 327-8127, www.rjenterprise.net; SOLUTION PROVIDER: Kyocera Precision Tools Inc., (800) 823-7284, www.kyoceraprecisiontools.com; CHALLENGE: Reduce cycle time when roughing a fuel sensor made of 304 stainless. SOLUTION: Switching from a ½"-dia., 4-flute solid-carbide endmill to a 5⁄8"-dia., indexable-insert endmill.
A Look Ahead piece in the September 2016 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine looks at a topography-based, design-optimization tool kit aimed at simplifying design for manufacturing.