Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the May 2025 print edition of Today's Medical Developments under the headline “Choosing the right live & static tools.”
The selection of live and static tools for CNC lathes and tool holders for machining centers takes careful consideration and planning. Asking questions such as live tool rpm requirements, coolant capabilities, and torque specifications are just a few topics to explore. Be sure to review the tools provided with the machine and look for opportunities to add tools that’ll enhance machining processes and increase productivity.
Tooling selection for CNC lathes
Often the tools supplied with the machine are just basics and aren’t specifically tailored to the application. Additional tools should be selected to enhance the machine’s capabilities and give the best long-term reliability and flexibility. Now more than ever, it’s important to choose tools to match or exceed the rpm capabilities of the machine’s turret.
It’s imperative tools are purchased with a changing system to add flexibility and accommodate future projects. It also offers cost savings and allows the tool to adapt to changing needs without requiring the purchase of a new one.
If there’s a plan to use cutting tools with coolant-thru capabilities, you should purchase live tools that’ll allow this and can handle the required psi.
When applications for small tools require higher rpm than the turret is capable of running, a speed increaser with up to a 1:4 gear ratio may be the answer. In addition, there are applications requiring additionall torque where a gear reducer may be the solution.
A top consideration when tooling up the turret is to maximize its capabilities. Dual output tools for use on main and sub-spindle or multiple spindle tools facing the same direction for drilling and tapping from the same tool are just some examples of optimizing the turret.
In addition to live tools, static tools are also important. If the machine has half index capabilities, using half index tools will allow for holding multiple tools in one position. There are also static tools available for holding four tools – two facing the main spindle and two facing the sub-spindle. If using cutting tools requiring coolant-thru capabilities, be sure to have boring bar holders, turning tools, and cut-off holders that can accommodate these situations.
Tooling selection for machining centers
Machining center tooling also requires careful thought and selection. The first criterion for selection is the machine taper. Most common connections are CAT, BT, and HSK styles, all having multiple sizes.
It’s vital to consider the machine’s rpm capability. Give careful attention to using tool holders with excellent taper fit in addition to proper balance specification and accuracy.
There are many styles of tool holders available. Shrink-fit tool holders offer exceptional accuracy and performance due to the method of holding the cutting tool. Not all applications require this level of performance; in these situations ER collet chucks, Weldon style tools, and face mill adapters may be a better option.
There are also situations where the machining center may not have the rpm capabilities for certain applications. For this there are several speeder options available while geared, air, and motorized spindle speeders are also available.
On occasion, there are workpieces with features that can’t be machined from the main spindle with standard tooling. In these cases, a 90° or adjustable angle head may be required. Sometimes, a workpiece is too large or difficult to re-fixture or reposition, warranting an angle head.
Whether tooling up a CNC lathe or machining center, it’s best to do your homework and be sure to talk to a tooling expert.
Platinum Tooling Technologies
https://platinumtooling.com
Explore the May 2025 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
