Carbide Inserts For Screw Machines

There have been recent advances in carbide technology that allow these types of tools to run at the lower cutting speeds often encountered in screw machines. Also, there has been a greater willingness by the major carbide manufacturers to produce designs for this segment of the market. The benefits to the industry can be looked at from several different points. The most important are as follows.

1. Increased cutting speeds and higher production rates
2. Decreased down time
3. Higher quality
4. Lower overall tool costs
5. Operator safety

As in any manufacturing environment, the quantifiable advantages have to outweigh the cost and time to justify considering a switch to different tooling. This is probably even more important within the screw machine industry.

The types of cutting tools in use today have been used for years. Operators, setup personnel and designers are familiar with them and feel comfortable using them. In addition, many people in the screw machine industry have a "bad taste in their mouth" when it comes to indexable, throw-away carbide inserts. When these inserts first began to become popular in other aspects of machining in the mid-1960s, people in the screw machine industry unsuccessfully tried them. At that time, the carbide grades and pressing technology did not exist to meet their requirements. A careful examination of the potential benefits will show significant improvements.

Thanks to www.productionmachining.com for the tip 2001