All BIG-PLUS tools are dual contact, but not all dual-contact tools are BIG-PLUS—and this really matters when choosing tooling. Only a licensed supplier of BIG-PLUS has master gages that are traceable to the BIG DAISHOWA grand master gages and have the dimensions and tolerances provided to do it right. Non-licensed dual-contact tool makers are guessing or using a sample BIG-PLUS tool holder as their own master gage—a practice that any quality expert will advise against. Unless the tools are marked “BIG-PLUS Spindle System-License BIG DAISHOWA SEIKI,” the use of tooling not made by BIG DAISHOWA or its licensees may result in inconsistent performance or damage to the machine. So, what are the consequences of using unlicensed dual-contact tooling on an expensive 5-axis spindle? If the distance between flange face and gage line diameter are more than specification, little or no face contact occurs; tool holders provide only taper contact and no benefit of BIG-PLUS. If the distance between flange face and gage line diameter are less than specification, there’s face contact only; tool holders float in spindle taper with no positive radial location. Large cutter runout and fretting corrosion on spindle face occurs immediately. Severe spindle damage can occur.
If the gage line diameter is less than the specification, there will be face contact with only minimal or no taper contact. Severe spindle damage can occur.
If the gage line diameter is more than the specification; there will only be taper contact, eliminating all benefits of BIG-PLUS.
10
Powered by FlippingBook