Machining

Walter says it has unveiled a technology that promises to dramatically improve machining effectiveness. Called Tiger·tec Gold, it is the latest iteration of Walter's successful line of Tiger·tec and Tiger·tec Silver coatings.

Walter has introduced its new Prototyp Advance line of solid-carbide milling tools for universal application. The new Advance milling cutter line consisting of six cutter types and 250 line items, each reportedly providing the ideal balance of hardness and toughness for the widest possible application, plus long tool life (increases of up to 50 percent) thanks to the Advance line's new high-performance WJ30TF grade and Walter's TiAIN coating.

WIDIA's Top Ream platform covers the majority of hole finishing needs, with diameters up to 42 mm (1.65 in.) and a range of edge preps and geometries available. The three keys to hole quality are diametral accuracy, form and position, and surface finish.

SmartCAMcnc announced the release of SmartCAM ShopFloor Milling, an easy-to-use and affordable shop-floor programming system designed to empower machinists with CNC programming independent of their in-house programming department. With this new product launch SmartCAMcnc reportedly provides more functionality than traditional conversational programming, offline and independent of specific conversational CNC format.

Cutting Tool Engineering visited with Abel Rodrigues, sales engineer, Somma Tool Co., during IMTS 2016 as he provided the play-by-play for a video demonstration of external and internal rotary broaching.

END USER: RJ Enterprises, (310) 327-8127, www.rjenterprise.net; SOLUTION PROVIDER: Kyocera Precision Tools Inc., (800) 823-7284, www.kyoceraprecisiontools.com; CHALLENGE: Reduce cycle time when roughing a fuel sensor made of 304 stainless. SOLUTION: Switching from a ½"-dia., 4-flute solid-carbide endmill to a 5⁄8"-dia., indexable-insert endmill.

A Look Ahead piece in the September 2016 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine looks at a topography-based, design-optimization tool kit aimed at simplifying design for manufacturing.

People in the industry continue to proactively do something about overcoming the skills gap, and I'd like to highlight two such efforts.

Specialty subscription websites bring together job shops and manufacturers looking to sub out work.

Shop Operations column looks at the benefits of becoming familiar with CAM software.

The metalworking fluids commonly applied during machining processes generate airborne mists that must be carefully controlled.

The trade show of trade shows—IMTS—is coming to Chicago's McCormick Place.