Cutting Tools

Productive Times feature Kevin Burns Golf, 408-244-7768, www.kbputters.com. Challenge: Maximize productivity and minimize tool breakage when roughing custom putter heads. Solution: A 5-flute, solid-carbide endmill that minimizes chatter. Solution Provider: Dura-Mill Inc., 800-444-6455, www.duramill.com.

END USER: Bill Miller Engineering Ltd., (775) 887-1299, www.bmeltd.com. CHALLENGE: Boost production with upgraded tooling. SOLUTION: A high-speed solid-carbide drill and a tool- holding system. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Sandvik Coromant Co., www.sandvik.coromant.com/us, (800) 726-3845

END USER: D&G Precision Manufacturing Inc., (920) 477-3609, www.dgmfg.com. CHALLENGE: Decrease cycle times when milling aluminum forgings. SOLUTION: Two-flute solid-carbide endmills. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Gorilla Tools, (866) 888-9600, www.gorillamill.net

Custom tools help aerospace part makers meet demanding specs.

END USER: Precision Technologies Inc., (978) 649-8715, www.precision-techno.com. CHALLENGE: Boost feed rate when milling tiny slots. SOLUTION: Variable-helix miniature endmill. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Harvey Tool Co. LLC, (800) 645-5609, www.harveytool.com.

Appropriate scenarios for applying a reamer when finishing holes.

Superabrasive tools can be applied to efficiently machine carbon fiber-reinforced plastics.

END USER: Bear Manufacturing LLC, (832) 272-1245. CHALLENGE: Eliminate insert corner failure when ID turning Inconel 725 parts. SOLUTION: An advanced carbide insert grade and geometry. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Sandvik Coromant Co., (800) SANDVIK, www.sandvik.coromant.com/us

Designing machine tools for cutting titanium—especially 5553.

What is the real cost of a cutting tool when it is applied? Carefully controlled tests provide the answer.