Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) offers SpeedPro, a software suite designed to improve the safety and productivity of machining operations through machining process simulation and optimization of tool paths, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries. The software can process programs on machine tools prior to actual machining. It geometrically simulates material removal and turning inserts for aluminum updates part geometry, evaluates machining performance, and displays cutter and machine tool spindle loads. It also optimizes process feed rates to take corrective actions and eliminate machining failures, reduce scrap parts and increase the speed of conservative programs to lower cycle times. SpeedPro is installed directly on machine tool controllers and displayed as an option on the machine tool interface.

According to ITRI, the software is the first such product incorporating theories of cutting force rather than only considering geometrical precision. The product reduces the trial-and-error to find process parameters and increase overall performance and productivity. The software not only eases the process of finding feasible feed rate values, but also enables cutting force calculations and feed rate value modulations along the tool Carbide Grooving Inserts path. Users can optimize NC programs on-site and increase productivity without access to the original CAM program.

Industrial Technology Research Institute, call 886-3-582-0100 or visit itri.org.tw/eng. 

The Carbide Inserts Website: https://www.cuttinginsert.com/pro_cat/face-milling-inserts/index.html

GWS Tool Group has acquired Monster Tool Company. This is the fourth acquisition in 2021 for GWS Tool Group, and the second West Coast acquisition by the U.S.-based manufacturer.

Monster Tool manufactures and distributes solid round cutting tools for aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, heavy equipment and die-mold. Second-generation and family owned, Monster operates out of an approximately 40,000 square feet facility with additional real estate secured for future expansion.

“Monster Tool is a best-in-class cutting tool company with a reputation for producing quality performance cutting tools and delivering them to their customers with the utmost speed and ease,” said Rick McIntyre, GWS’ Cemented Carbide Inserts CEO. “Their added logistics and service expertise are additional areas we will look to integrate into the GWS model to further enhance our service and delivery methods to the betterment of all our customers and partners in distribution.”

Josh Lynberg, owner of Monster Tool, says, “From products and services to customer end markets and culture, there are just so many ways in which our companies align and complement tungsten carbide inserts each other. This merger will undoubtedly be for the betterment of our company, employees and customers.”

The Carbide Inserts Website: https://www.estoolcarbide.com/cutting-inserts/

Sharp Industries has expanded its line of Big Bore CNC flat-bed lathes with the ST series. Featuring beds constructed from high-quality Meehanite castings, the lathes are designed to handle mold and other large workpieces. Bed widths of 24" or 32" are offered, and the maximum swing over the bed ranges from 37" to 50". Distances between centers range from 60" to 236" or more. Spindle bores are available in 6", 9", 12" and 15" sizes. The ST series lathes feature FANUC Oi-TC controls and can also be equipped with Siemens or Fagor controls.

Spindle speeds are available in four-step increments and are hydraulically driven for speed changes, enhancing cutting power of the spindle motor. The tailstock and quill can be positioned manually or with hydraulic action. Guideways are Carbide Milling Inserts Turcite-B-coated for improved oil retention and wear resistance. Electrical cabinets are temperature-controlled with a heat exchange system. The toolchanger is available as a hydraulic four-way turret, V-8 or V-12 hydraulic turret system. A spindle oil chiller is offered as an option for controlling headstock and spindle heat expansion under heavy cutting DNMG Insert conditions.

The Carbide Inserts Website: https://www.cuttinginsert.com/product/tnmg-insert/

Additions to Seco Tools’ JETI (Jetstream Integrated) toolholders are said to eliminate the components and connectors commonly required for coolant-through tooling Carbide Milling Inserts that hinder grooving, parting-off and other turning operations. With interference-free internal coolant capabilities and the option to switch the underside stream channel on and off, these expansions to the range of MDT (multi-directional turning), X4 (grooving and parting-off) and 150.10 (parting-off) toolholders add operational stability and reliability while improving surface finishes.

To optimize machining, chip control and process reliability, JETI tooling aims high-pressure coolant directly to the cutting zone through Coated Inserts internal channels in the tool holder. JETI Duo incorporates upper and lower cooling channels with the ability to activate or deactivate the underside stream. Side and back coolant connections enable these holders to function on machines with conventional coolant delivery systems.

JETI enables application flexibility of coolant delivery without external hoses, fittings and spare parts that can diminish productivity and raise costs, the company says. Square-shanked MDT, X4 and 150.10 holders are available in sizes of 20 × 20 mm and 25 × 25 mm sizes. MDT holders accept inserts from 2 to 8 mm, and 105.10 toolholders accept size-15 blades.

The Carbide Inserts Website: https://www.estoolcarbide.com/

YG-1 offers a series of four solid carbide fiberglass routers designed to handle machining of fiberglass and other high-performance fibers. These new routers are said to be optimized in composition, cutting angles, flute strength and stability for longer life and lower cost per part. Four different cutting ends make these fiberglass/composites routers ideal for roughing, finishing, edge trimming, slotting, grooving, drilling or interpolation, achieving the same quality results on a CNC machining center or hand routing, the company says.

The Type I (NC end) is mostly for side milling, roughing or finishing passes to achieve a high-quality finish. Type II (burr end) is designed for plunging without damaging side flutes. Type III Cutting Inserts (mill end) is best for surface milling molds or grooving with surface finish requirements. Type IV (drill end) can be used as a router and a drill and is designed for interpolation to achieve final hole diameter or slotting with a corner radius. 

More applications include machining in carbon fiber, Kevlar and other aramid blends, natural fiber-based composites and thermoset resin/thermoplastic blends.

The tools’ double-angle point geometry is designed to counteract or eliminate the machining problems typically encountered with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) characteristics. The CVD coating increases abrasion resistance from the fibrous materials and extends tool life. Combined with guidance margins and open flutes, these specialized routers also drill holes with no dust jams or pressure overload, the company says. Suited to manual hole-making, countersinks and counterbores, Carbide Grooving Inserts hand drilling reduces delamination and fiber pullout.

The Carbide Inserts Website: https://www.cuttinginsert.com/product/semt-insert/