Drilling & Boring

When it comes to highly accurate machining technology, jig boring is better. So say proponents of the century-old machining technique. In the early part of the last century, jig boring started as a better way to make holes. But the technology has since evolved into a more-versatile machining option.

To make the fine machining of the crankshaft bearing journals on a machining centre economical, line boring bars are often used. With an innovative concept, MAPAL has been able, in collaboration with a machine manufacturer, to optimize this processing in several ways: Compared with conventional line boring bars, quality can be increased, processing can be sped up, and tool service life can be increased, all thanks to the new line boring bars with compensation-enabled cutting edges.

The Digital Module from Wohlhaupter Corp. can be used with the company's recently updated 019 boring head (VarioBore), which can be ordered with a docking port and associated internal electronics.

... in these golden years," crooned the late David Bowie in one of his smash hits.The term "golden years" is also used in Albert B. Albrecht's book "The American Machine Tool Industry: Its History, Growth, Restructuring & Recovery," which he revised in 2015 for the third edition.

Walter has broadened its line of boring tools with the introduction of the B3220 boring cartridge for axial-radial offset roughing (ARS), expanding on previous methods that were either symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Rigibore's ActiveEdge is an automatically adjustable boring tool, allowing a close tolerance bore diameter to be maintained without the need for an operator's intervention. This innovative system allows micron-accurate adjustments to be made on up to five individually adjustable cutting edges on the boring tool.

BIG Kaiser Precision Tooling Co., Hoffman Estates, Ill., recently introduced two new precision boring heads with a patented damping system to eliminate vibration in deep-hole finish boring, according to a company news release.

Technological advances in cutting tools, machine tools and toolholders have allowed machinists and manufacturing engineers to increase holemaking efficiency by eliminating the number of tools required to produce accurate holes. High-performance drills are the best example of these technological advances. In the past, it was common for a machinist to spot-drill, drill and then ream to achieve accurate hole geometry.

When drilling, perhaps no variable is as important as the workpiece material. It dictates drill geometry and substrate, tool coating, coolant application, and speeds and feeds. While known for its relative softness and ductility, misconceptions abound among those who regularly drill aluminum.

The view from Jungfraujoch inspires awe. So does the railway that transports visitors to the site—a ridge located 11,332' above sea level in the Swiss Alps. I was exposed to another example of commitment while in Switzerland, during a visit to the Mikron Group.

Manufacturing Marvels, which airs on The FOX Business Network, recently featured Allied Machine & Engineering Corp., Dover, Ohio. Manufacturing Marvels, which is produced by the Marvel Production Group LLC, Dallas, Texas, are 2-minute video reports spotlighting American manufacturers, their products, processes and customers.