Tool Management

Hand scraping mating surfaces on CNC machine tools helps maintain high levels of machining accuracy and reduces wear and tear, resulting in a long, stable and productive life for the machine, as detailed in a new white paper from machine tool builder Okuma America Inc., Charlotte, N.C. 

Industrial distributor Fastenal, Winona, Minn., has partnered with The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN) to provide maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supplies to government entities nationwide. TCPN's lead government agency, Region 4 Education Service Center, uses a competitive solicitation process consistent with applicable procurement laws and regulations.  

Weiler Corp, Cresco, Pa., a provider of power brushes, abrasives and maintenance products for surface conditioning, launched a multimillion-dollar initiative to improve customer service and enable future growth, according to the company. The investment includes a new brand identity, facility expansion, increased staffing, a revamped website and new training tools. 

Widia, a Fort Mill, S.C.-based toolmaker, has launched its NOVO desktop and tablet application, which gives users on-demand delivery of cutting tool data and expertise for reduced product development and manufacturing lead times, according to the company. NOVO assists shop personnel in a number of intuitive ways. It can help define machining features and reduce the product set to those that can do the job, taking into account constraint requirements such as material, tolerance and machining sequence for both single tools and multi-tools.

Cutting tool manufacturer Seco Tools, Troy, Mich., released the results of its North American Carbide Recycling Program for 2013. The company collected and processed 125,919 lbs (57,235 kg) of used carbide tools. Of the total, 110,585 lbs (50,265 kg) were returned to Seco Tools AB for processing into grade powder. Over the life of the carbide recycling program, Seco Tools has returned an average of over 10,100 lbs (4,100 kg) of tools per month for recycling.

Minneapolis machine shop NTM Inc. was named a partner in the KOMET SERVICE network and will provide localized tool regrinding and refurbishment services for tools from KOMET and other toolmakers, as well as sell standard and special KOMET solid-carbide tools.  

MSC Industrial Supply Co., the Melville, N.Y.-based distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) solutions, has increased its selection of Kennametal cutting tools to 54,000 total items. MSC customers gain access to almost all of Kennametal's metalworking products, including milling, turning, holemaking, threading and tooling system products. 

Darex LLC, Ashland, Ore., is celebrating its 40th year in business in October. Darex brands include: Darex industrial sharpeners, Drill Doctor professional and home shop drill bit sharpeners and Work Sharp knife and tool sharpeners.