Optimising Cutting Edges and Flutes With
µ Precision-finish
There are all kinds of different milling tools. They belong to the tool group used for machining with geometrically defined cutting edges. They are generally made of hard metal because a tool must obviously be harder than the processing material it is designed to cut.
Hard metals make for tools with excellent properties: their extreme hardness and resistance to temperature and wear and tear are considerably superior to those of HSS cutting materials. They do, however, have a low resistance to fracture and thermal shock. These properties increase cutting speed, but high cutting speeds and forces also put hard metal milling tools under enormous thermal and mechanical stress. The tool becomes worn and must be repaired or replaced.
Targeted rounding of cutting edges significantly increases service life!
Rounded edges are crucial to extendingtool life and reducing wear and tear, which helps to increase overall efficiency. The intentional rounding of cutting edges may seem surprising at first, but it does achieve visible benefits.
If you examine a cutting edge that has been smoothed on both sides under a microscope, you can see micro cracks and defects along its edge. The cutting edge is chipped and loose parts will eventually be torn out from the hard metal when under stress. This will ultimately shorten the service life of the tool.
Cutting edges rounded in OTEC’s stream finishing process are much more stable, meaning they deliver reliable process performance. Our process reduces chipping so effectively that the treated cutting tools are less likely to break and their service life is not only much longer (usually at least double) but also more predictable, allowing you to plan ahead. The overall workpiece surface is also improved.
High-quality flute surfaces for better chip removal!
In addition to edge rounding on cutting tools, OTEC’s stream finishing process can achieve smooth surfaces within very short processing times in even the smallest flutes, with roughness depths of Ra 0.05 μm, and can optimise chip removal. This boosts the tool’s productivity significantly.
Stream finishing – process reliability and automation
OTEC’s stream finishing is an advanced mass finishing process that uses a variety of physical forces. The workpiece rotates and is processed as the grinding or polishing medium also rotates around it. In comparison to other mass finishing processes, the forces are much higher and material can be removed more quickly and more precisely. The SF Automation series enables automated workpiece loading – either with robots or with a chain loader.
OTEC’s SF series covers a wide range of processes, from deburring after coating to high-gloss polishing, smoothing, polishing and edge rounding, depending on the workpiece requirements.
Pulse finishing – OTEC’s stream finishing innovation
Our stream finishing machines have been available with pulse finishing technology since 2013. The pulse finish principle is based on repeated, precisely defined movement intervals between the media and the workpiece. OTEC’s patented pulse drive was specially designed to meet the requirements of production lines in sectors such as the modern tool industry. Pulse finishing allows users to meet the demanding speed, quality and reliability requirements in mass production.
With deburring, rounding and smoothing from e.g. Rpk 0.2 μm to Rpk 0.1 μm in less than a minute and in a single operation.
The contours of the workpiece are superbly well-maintained.
For Information:
OTEC Präzisionsfinish GmbH
Heinrich-Hertz-Straße 24
75334 Straubenhardt-Conweiler
Germany
Tel. +49.70.82 - 49 11 20
Fax +49.70.82 - 49 11 29
E-mail: info@otec.de
www.otec.de
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