Custom PCD and carbide cutting-tool maker West Ohio Tool has enhanced its production capabilities with the addition of two Walter Helitronic Power 400 SL tool grinding machines with ECO Loader Plus automation for unattended loading of more than 80 tools.
The equipment enables the Russells Point, Ohio-based company to double its capacity for unattended operations, with internal automation that conserves space on the company's busy shop floor. The machines include linear glass scales on all axes to achieve consistent grinding accuracy at the tight tolerances required for ultra-precise tool production.
"We identified this upgrade opportunity as an ideal way to continue our commitment to investing in the latest technologies in our realm of manufacturing," said Kaci King, CFO and co-owner. "We want to maintain our focus on precision while we enhance our capacity for lights-out operation."
For more information on West Ohio Tool, visit www.WestOhioTool.com.
Related Glossary Terms
- grinding
grinding
Machining operation in which material is removed from the workpiece by a powered abrasive wheel, stone, belt, paste, sheet, compound, slurry, etc. Takes various forms: surface grinding (creates flat and/or squared surfaces); cylindrical grinding (for external cylindrical and tapered shapes, fillets, undercuts, etc.); centerless grinding; chamfering; thread and form grinding; tool and cutter grinding; offhand grinding; lapping and polishing (grinding with extremely fine grits to create ultrasmooth surfaces); honing; and disc grinding.
- polycrystalline diamond ( PCD)
polycrystalline diamond ( PCD)
Cutting tool material consisting of natural or synthetic diamond crystals bonded together under high pressure at elevated temperatures. PCD is available as a tip brazed to a carbide insert carrier. Used for machining nonferrous alloys and nonmetallic materials at high cutting speeds.
