Star SU/Neher Group 3D printed tool bodies can help optimize coolant channels for extended tool life and chip control.
Star Cutter Company, in alliance with its strategic partner Neher Group, has announced the availability of 3D printed PCD monoblock tool bodies and chip deflectors where the 3D printed bodies are integrated with the holder interface to create a single robust tool.
"As compared to traditional manufacturing methods, additive manufacturing (AM) is more reliable in achieving designs with complex details and effective chip evacuation," said a spokesperson. "This ability to optimize coolant hole and cooling channel locations can improve tool life by 30% or more and is well suited to the growing and environmentally-friendly minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) trend."
The spokesperson continued, "With 3D printing, there is about a 30% reduction in tool weight, yet it has the equivalent torsional stiffness of a steel ground body tool. Lightweighting can play a big role in large, heavy tools that take a toll on the machine spindle, helping to reduce preventative maintenance. These improvements can be significant when producing aerospace and automotive components, including electric vehicle parts, where existing spindle interfaces are not always ideal for some of the size/weight of tools."
Also available are 3D printed chip deflectors for applications that require total elimination of chips from the workpiece. These deflectors are mounted on the body of the tool so that when the tool is in the cut, the chip has no way to exit except through the flute channel.
The 3D printer technology is typically being applied to large reamers, interpolating and milling cutters. The company offers printing in a variety of materials including plastic, aluminum, titanium, steel and stainless. The Star Cutter engineering team works with all customers to provide the optimal tool design for each application.
These tools are sold through Star SU LLC in North America.
For more information contact:
Star Cutter Company
23461 Industrial Park Drive
Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2855
248-474-8200
quotesandorders@star-su.com
www.starcutter.com
Star SU, LLC Sales & Service
5200 Prairie Stone Parkway, Suite 100
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
847-649-1450
sales@star-su.com
www.star-su.com