October 2007 Edition

FROM THE SHOP FLOOR

More Standards; Less Awkward Moments

Dave suggests the powers that be create standards where none now exist

A tooling salesman was in my office last week with a brochure featuring milling tools and inserts. He pointed out that his company's cutter bodies were more expensive than the competition, but due to advanced manufacturing techniques, better materials, and other factors, his tools would outperform and outlast the competition.

I was intrigued. I'd seen cutters come through my office with pockets that were worn out or worse. These bodies, superior as they may be, require the use of his company's inserts, and won't fit any other type.

I have drawers full of other brands of cutters and inserts, and I set a goal to reduce my inventory, not add to it. This is where the conversation got awkward. It is time the tooling manufacturers standardize indexable milling tools.

Tool companies have set standards for turning tools for years. According to the Cemented Carbide Producers Association – www.ccpa.org – the standard for turning inserts was developed in 1982, and updated in 1991, under ANSI Standard B212.12-1991. This 83-page document defines insert shapes and dimensions, as well as a common nomenclature. Seco Tools, Sandvik Coromant, Greenleaf, Kennametal, and Valenite, were some business entities that took part in the standard development, as well as associations, such as the Association for Manufacturing Technology.

Since this baseline was developed for turning standards, many companies now make not only carbide inserts, but also toolholders. This commonality lets us choose in a competitive marketplace that drives value and innovation.

Time for a Gathering

A gathering of major tooling manufacturers should be held to develop standard milling insert shapes. Standard shapes and sizes of face milling, shoulder milling, and other types should be developed so all manufacturers – big and small – innovate and further develop tools. Standardizing turning tools certainly has not stopped innovation.

There are new designs for toolholders that use standard inserts, but have innovative technology to improve quality and reliability. Seco Tools introduced a line of lay-down threading tools that change the way the insert registers. The holder handles Seco Tools threading inserts, as well as other brands of lay-down-style inserts.

Sandvik Coromant uses its Rigid Clamp to hold inserts in their standard holders. It holds the insert with more clamping force and requires only one Torx wrench to tighten them. This eliminates multiple hex keys. Time spent changing inserts means time not spent making chips.

For inserts, innovative grades, chip breakers, and coatings happen every day. The standard turning tool shape doesn't hinder these developments, especially with the increasing technologies available to form carbide into more complex and precise shapes.

Check Out Dave's Drawers

A look into my drawer of turning inserts shows an array of the same shape of insert, but each is designed for a different purpose. Some have a flat tops for cutting cast iron. Others have complex shapes and scoops for chip control when cutting stainless steel. There are cermet inserts of different materials, yet all share a standard shape and size. A simple base platform holds a wealth of possibilities.

As with every standard, there are exceptions. Many companies have special milling tools for specific applications. These cutters have a special pocket, or insert shape, to perform a task, such as aluminum cutting or high feed milling.

Innovation isn't discouraged, but tools that don't conform to standards should be limited to clear-cut special use. As technology advances, so should the standard, as long as all of the industry leaders participate.

A set of milling insert standards would improve the marketplace for machine shops. It would increase the competition between tool companies, thus driving future innovation, and value. It would foster those on the floor to try products they never tried before, from new companies entering the market. The market would choose tools based on merit, price, and performance, not inventory levels.

Perhaps in a few years, I can welcome a company sales agent who has a better tool holder, or a better grade of carbide, because I know I can use it without revamping my inventory.

It would also help to avoid those awkward moments, too.

Dave is responsible for programming, tool selection, and fixture design for Ansco Machine's 20 CNC machines in Peninsula, OH. He's been working in a machine shop since age 12, starting by drilling holes on a turret lathe and making simple parts on a Bridgeport.

What do you think?
ill the information in this article increase efficiency or save time, money, or effort? Let us know by e-mail from our website at www.ModernApplicationsNews.com or directly e-mail the editor at pnofel@nelsonpub.com.