Questions with Tom Funke

1) What are the latest developments related to tooling processes in the aerospace industry?

As the industry continues to transition to newer technologies, I’m seeing more near-net shape stock components with more complex shapes. They’re being machined on advanced multi-axis CNC machines to reduce setups and maximize efficiency. Materials continue to become more exotic, and with the adoption of powdered metal materials and additive manufacturing, it makes for some exciting new processes.

2) How have you been able to best support the changing needs of customers?

Sandvik Coromant takes pride in leading the development of tooling solutions and their application. We proactively work with our industry partners, such as CAM software developers and machine tool OEMs. We collaborate with our partners on the development of tool path techniques that effectively utilize a tool for the given application. Our R&D and Training Support Teams continue to help train our staff and customers on these latest developments.

3) Can you give some examples?

On the tooling side, we’ve developed new inserts grades and techniques to machine difficult materials such as titanium and nickel alloys. This includes PCD CD10 grade for titanium finish turning, or CBN 7014 grade in the case of nickel alloys, allowing for greatly increased cutting speeds. We’ve also released revolutionary new insert geometries and CoroPlus® Tool Path methodology with our PrimeTurning™ solution. These inserts and tool paths allow for high-feed turning of aero-engine parts, and with their dual-edge geometry, can be used as a traditional C-Style insert to clean up feature corners. We’ve also developed solid carbide milling cutters such as our 1745 grade for titanium and 1725 grade for nickel alloys. The grade and geometry of these cutters are designed for dynamic milling tool paths, allowing for fast metal removal, especially in aero frame pocket features. In addition, our Ceramic, 600, and 390 line of indexable milling cutters can 5-axis turn-mill material of complex aero engine cases and other conical shapes. All of these examples allow our customers to produce parts much more efficiently.

4) So, it’s more than just inserts at Sandvik Coromant?

Many customers don’t realize we not only develop inserts and holders, but also the tool path technique, cutting data calculators, and even CAM programming service solutions for our aerospace customers. We’re also heavily involved with digital machining solutions such as machine monitoring, along with onsite application support and training. These solutions and services aid in our customers’ success and complement our cutting tool offering. So, yes, we’re much more than an insert provider.

5) Anything else you want our readers to know?

For more information or examples of tooling/CAM technology, please look at our website. There you’ll find more examples such as OptiThreading™ – thread turning tool path solution for optimizing performance based on cutting forces. Invomilling – our Tool/CAM solution for milling gears and splines. Or as already mentioned, our Prime Turning solution, which is being integrated into CAM software such as Siemens NX CAM and MasterCAM with canned machining cycles.

For more information: https://www.sandvik.coromant.com/en-us/products/coroplus-toolpath/pages/default.aspx