Instead of a fixed setting angle to the workpiece, shops are now using milling spindles to produce highly dynamic angles, according to CERATIZIT USA. The company refers to this as "High Dynamic Turning" and has introduced its FreeTurn tool featuring a slim, axial structure that allows users to benefit from 360° of freedom in the axis without the risk of collision.
The dynamic positioning optimizes chip breakage and improves component quality by changing the position during the process. Even undercuts or contours, which currently require an additional tool, can be produced. With FreeTurn, shops can rough, finish, contour turn, face or longitudinal turn with the same tool.
"With conventional turning processes, a separate tool is needed for every contour," said a company spokesperson. "This results in enormous tool costs and long tool changeover times. With High Dynamic Turning and the FreeTurn tool, together with the high level of freedom provided by the milling spindle, the cutting edge can be changed through rotation about the tool axis, providing huge savings on tools and changeover times. Plus, machining time is reduced by up to 25%."
According to CERATIZIT, FreeTurn's advantages include, but are not limited to:
- Machine almost all workpiece contours with one tool
- Run at 40% higher feedrates
- Reduce empty toolpaths by up to 90%
- Adjust feedrates during processing
- Improve surface quality
- Reduce tool changes
- Fewer tool locations needed.
Compatible CAM software for FreeTurn is available through industry partners like EXAPT, EdgeCAM by Hexagon, GibbsCAM, HEIDENHAIN, hyperMILL, SolidCAM, Siemens NX and TopSolid.
For more information contact:
CERATIZIT USA, LLC
2050 Mitchell Blvd.
Schaumburg, IL 60193
800-783-2280
www.cuttingtools.ceratizit.com