Milling

Clever tools for finding an edge

11/29/2017

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The Shop Operations column in the December 2017 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering covers a few clever tools for finding an edge.

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An overview of milling applications

Entering the workpiece is an essential part of optimizing tool life and reducing vibrations. The roll-in method allows you to softly and smoothly enter the workpiece. Inserts are eased into the cut following the golden rule of milling: a thick chip on entry and a thin chip on exit. Click on the link for more milling tips from Sandvik Coromant.

Five things you might not know about custom CNC milling

If you have ever had parts or components CNC milled, you probably have a good understanding of the process. However, unless you have had custom products manufactured, you may not be aware of everything that goes hand-in-hand with custom CNC milling.

Autodesk: Constant cutting forces speed milling

09/26/2017

Maintaining constant cutting forces provides a constant radial tool engagement throughout the entire cut, which eliminates spikes in the cutting forces. This approach allows the programmer to take a larger axial DOC while simultaneously maintaining a high feed rate and extending tool life.

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No-cost thread mill program generators

09/01/2017

Author:

Michael C. Anderson

Numerous toolmakers provide free programs that will automatically generate G code for a specific thread milling application. The programs vary in sophistication and in whether they are online-only or downloadable, but all are useful tools. Among the suppliers of these apps are Scientific Cutting Tools Inc., Simi Valley, Calif.; Guhring Inc., Brookfield, Wis.; and Kennametal Inc., Pittsburgh.

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Look Ahead: Trochoidal endmill (over)laps competition

08/16/2017

Author:

Michael C. Anderson

Trochoidal milling is a relatively new cutting strategy that involves the overlapping of circular toolpaths with linear movement. It is well-suited for difficult-to-machine materials and thin-walled components.

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Sandvik Coromant cast iron face milling demo

In this demonstration, Sandvik Coromant's CoroMill 745 multi-edge cutter with high feed capability is used for face milling in cast iron. The 25 degree entering angle of this cutter version enables the use of high feed milling strategies. The concept has a double-sided, multi-edge design, which is said to make it a cost-efficient solution that delivers high productivity.

Benefits of high-feed milling

W.W. Grainger Inc.'s metalworking team put together this brief video on the benefits of high-feed milling as part of the company's Quick Tips video series, which is part of Grainger's online resource center, The Knowledge Center.

Slow to fast feed rates for single-flute endmills

In a blog, Dann Demazure, applications engineer at Datron Dynamics, wrote: Machinists ask me all the time, “When do I go fast and when should I go slow with a single-flute endmill?” Well, as you can imagine, there are a lot of variables at play regarding feed rates for single-flute endmills, but let’s try to break it down.

The Knee Mill: Still Standing

03/29/2017

Author:

Michael C. Anderson

The design of the knee mill goes back to 1936, when Rudolph Bannow’s company produced a knee-and-column vertical mill with a rotating turret and sliding-ram head. The mill became known by the company’s name—Bridgeport—which, like Kleenex, became the generic signifier for mills of similar design.

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