20 Ways to Save Time in a Machine Shop

Scenario #9:

Are you using circular milling to produce large starter holes?

Time-saving solution : Using helical interpolation to open holes is common practice. But when production levels and volume increase, or when holes get deeper, rough boring will deliver higher productivity and repeatability. Helical interpolation relies on the machine tool axes and constant radial force, to produce output. With a twin rough boring approach, the tool is only plunging axially, creating a more stable operation. The radial cutting forces are balanced, and the result is axial force back into the machine spindle. This is also the case when deeper bores require longer tool lengths. As tool length increases, the deflection of a milling cutter will decrease its productivity much faster than if using a boring tool. And when that productivity difference is amortized over a long production run, boring becomes increasingly valuable.

Indexable insert drills and twin bores can produce large starter holes very fast for producing deep cavities versus circular milling only.

Estimated time savings: 15-90 minutes of rough milling time

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