Design & Engineering

Round-up of five recently introduced indexable tools: stub drill, universal nmilling cutter, center-cutting endmill, dovetail cutter and insert clamp.n

The author, an expert on cutting tool edge preparation, explains the importance of applying the proper edge hone to a tool. He also discusses a brush-type honing machine designed to apply a variable edge--a capability not available with other machines on the market.

Creep-feed grinding is not as popular a process as it was predicted to become in the late 1980s. But a machine shop that specializes in CF grinding has found great success by using the process. The shop's owner and other CF-grinding experts contend that as workpiece tolerances become tighter and manufacturers begin using more exotic workpiece materials, CF grinding will grow in popularity.

This article discusses the various sources of machining information available, and the body of knowledge on which each type of source bases its recommendations. Emerging sources that make use of such innovative media as the Internet also are discussed.

Programming a cut with an abrasive waterjet is complicated by the fact that the stream of water deflects as it passes through the workpiece. This article describes newer controller technology that can adjust the traverse speed to minimize deflection at corners and curves.

This article discusses the trend among insert makers to consolidate chipbreaker designs and carbide grades. The result is the three-chipbreaker/three-grade matrix many insert makers have adopted in some form. The evolution of the chip-forming groove is also traced, and an ANSI proposal for a grade identification system is described.

Guide bushings are used in difficult holemaking applications to ensure that the drill produces round straight holes. This article discusses the types of bushings commonly used and the materials they are made from. Guidelines for sizing bushings for a given operation are also supplied.