Aerospace
The Anatomy Of An End Mill For Aluminum
By using specialized cutter geometry and incorporating smooth finishes with tough coatings, Toolmex Corp., created an end mill well suited to cut aluminum aggressively. This tool called the "Mako" is part of the SharC line of specialized tools from the same company.
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New Honing Options For Hypereutectic Aluminum Cylinder Bores
Hypereutectic aluminum is saturated with silicon particles that must be exposed during honing. A two-stage process first hones a cylinder’s wall to a mirror-like finish and then relieves aluminum around the silicon particles.
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Alternate Tool Material For Hogging Large Workpieces
Shops often use either carbide or high speed steel cutting tools for hogging out the large workpieces common to the aerospace and moldmaking industries. While both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, cutting tool manufacturer Precision Cutting Tools says powder metal combines the best features of both.
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How to Hone an Atypical Aluminum Alloy
Hypereutectic aluminum used for engine blocks contains silicon particles that must be exposed during cylinder honing. This can be done using a cushioning, elastomer honing tool that allows individual abrasive particles to “bounce” over the silicon particles.
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Video: Basics of Thin Wall Machining
To mill thin walls in aluminum using fast light cuts, machine on alternating sides of the wall all the way down, jumping the wall with each new pass.
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Through-Spindle Dust Collection For Composites And Graphite
A vacuum system for the machining center draws particulate through the center of the tool.
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How To Machine Composites, Part 1 -- Understanding Composites
Composites are replacing metal in certain applications. What does this mean for machining?
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End Mill Comparisons in CFRP, Part 1 - Carbide Tool
Video shows the performance of coated carbide, diamond-coated, PCD and veined PCD tools in carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Part one in a four-part series.
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The New Rules of Cutting Tools — Rule #2: Demand App Expertise
The support of a knowledgeable tool supplier should be part of what you purchase with the tool.
Read MoreHow To Machine Composites, Part 2: The Cutting Tool, Workholding and Machine Tool
In carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), the material removal mechanism is shattering instead of shearing. This makes it different from other machining applications.
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