Turning

As automation becomes more flexible and less expensive, work cells are propagating at smaller shops.

New, ultraresilient workpiece materials with high strength-to-weight ratios have cutting tool vendors and CAM developers scrambling to design new tools and toolpaths to efficiently cut them. To succeed, the vendors and developers must collaborate with unprecedented frequency.

The advanced MicroTools for precise internal turning and copying operations.

Takisawa Taiwan announced Toyoda Americas as its master distributor for turning centers throughout Mexico and select U.S. markets in 2016. Since then, the duo has provided a high-quality, complete turning machine alongside full-service technical support, the company reports.

Carmex Precision Tools LLC has introduced a versatile six-edge turning insert. Designed to fit one holder, the multiple-function inserts deliver high productivity and cost efficiency in applications including threading, grooving, parting, and back and front turning. The fully ground profile delivers high precision, and the unique shape provides strong and stable clamping.

Walter says it has introduced a new and innovative cutting geometry, the MS3, teamed with a new high tech grade, WSM01. The new WSM01 grade, manufactured using the HiPIMS (high-power impulse magnetron sputtering) method, provides extremely smooth surfaces that are characterized by excellent layer thickness, outstanding layer bonding and high-level wear resistance, according to the company.

Seco Tools has expanded its family of Duratomictechnology-based TP grades to include TP3501, a grade that reportedly provides optimal application security. The new grade is ideal for steel turning applications that involve numerous interrupted cuts, less stable machines, short time in cut or weak setups due to part size or shape.

Seco Tools new TP3501 grade is designed to provide optimal application security.

Heimatec offers live tooling for all popular models in the Hyundai, Miyano and Nakamura turning center lines. According to Preben Hansen, Heimatec president, "We're carrying a substantial inventory of live tools for our customers' machines now and it represents a substantial financial and warehouse space commitment we've made to support them in the North American market."

Wildeck Inc. has announced a new family of structural steel end-of-aisle rack protectors to guard against fork truck impact at rack aisle corners in busy storage facilities, warehouses and distribution centers.

There's plenty of good application advice available from cutting tool specialists and equipment providers. This article offers six best-practice tips you might not have heard of yet, ones that will help you improve throughput and reduce costs.

In an interview conducted by CTE Editor Alan Richter, Kennametal Inc. President and CEO Ronald De Feo discusses the past year, the business outlook for Kennametal, Pittsburgh, the cutting tool industry and the company's modernization efforts.