Questions with Kyocera SGS Tools’ Jake Rutherford

1 Selecting tools based on price

While cutting costs may be a main goal, focusing on minimizing the money spent up front, such as tool price, will likely cost more in the end. In this case, there’s some validity in the saying “It takes money to make money.” Focusing on ultimate cost savings through cutting cycle time and boosting productivity is where the real money is made. This includes using high-performance tooling and larger or higher flute count tools (keeping in mind that adding flutes isn’t optimal for every application). These factors allow you to run tools more aggressively and, when optimized, will be well worth the investment, especially in high-volume production settings.

2 Slowing tools down to extend tool life

While tool life is important and should be a goal, slowing down your tool to achieve this will kill productivity. When running lower volume, tool cost tends to weigh a little more than higher volume, but in either case, tool life isn’t where you’re going to make money. Money is made when parameters are optimized and cycle times are cut, allowing for higher throughput. It’s also worth noting, if the tool isn’t running fast enough the coating may not be reaching its activation temperature, reducing the coating’s benefits.

3 Using one toolpath across the board

There isn’t a “one size fits all” toolpath when it comes to productivity. Sure, you can use just about any toolpath to machine a part, but some shops tend to become so laser-focused on one, they forget another toolpath may better suit the application. The two main styles of toolpaths are trochoidal, which is constant cutting engagement, and standard, which varies engagement angles. Since trochoidal is newer, some people think it’s best, but that isn’t always the case. Depending on material, machine, fixturing, tool, etc., a standard path may be more productive.

4 Using cheap or poorly maintained tool holders

Holders having poor dimensional accuracy and open tolerances can destroy tools. These low-quality holders induce runout, setting tools up for failure before entering the machine. Using dirty or worn-out holders can also start things off on the wrong foot. Not cleaning them between uses can cause chips or other contaminants to compromise the grip strength or TIR of a holder assembly. Always make sure the assembly is broken down and cleaned between uses to maximize tool life and performance, increasing productivity.

5 Avoiding spending money on technological advancements

Multi-axis machines, circle segment tools, and newer, more intuitive CAM software, are just a few examples of advancements in CNC machining in recent years. “That’s how we’ve always done it” isn’t going to cut it anymore. If the goal is to make money, money needs to be spent (responsibly). There’s a reason for continuous improvements in this industry and when applied correctly, they increase productivity and save the customer money.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.kyocera-sgstool.com