In the process of machining, the tool is the direct participant of cutting, and it is also the most active factor in the whole machining process system. How to give full play to the advantages of cutting tools and reduce processing costs is an important part of tool management.
Tool selection
Tool selection includes the choice of tool material, structure and cutting parameters, which will directly affect the production efficiency, processing quality and tool life. When selecting models, it is necessary to integrate various factors such as cost input, project time node, production pace and capacity demand from the perspective of project management; In combination with the technical point of view, that is, the material and geometric characteristics of the processed object, processing equipment, accuracy and other conditions, analyze together and select the appropriate cutting tools.
Tool material upgrade
Using polycrystalline diamond tools to cut aluminum alloy workpieces and ceramic or cubic boron nitride tools to cut cast iron workpieces can greatly improve the cutting efficiency and reduce the tool cost. In addition, coated tools have the advantages of high surface hardness, good wear resistance, stable chemical properties, heat and oxidation resistance, small friction coefficient and low thermal conductivity, which can bring qualitative improvement to tool performance.
Localization of cutting tools
In recent years, the domestic tool industry has developed rapidly, and the product quality has been significantly improved. In particular, the manufacturing level of cutting tools made of high hardness materials such as diamond and cubic boron nitride has caught up with the foreign advanced level, which can replace imported cutting tools, and the price has obvious advantages. On the premise that the performance can meet the processing needs, choosing domestic tools as much as possible can greatly reduce the cost of tools, and provide more convenience in terms of delivery time, after-sales service, etc.
Cutting optimization
If you want to reduce the tool cost, but you can't sacrifice the processing quality and efficiency, you need to find a balance between the three. Generally speaking, it can be achieved by optimizing cutting parameters and cutting paths. If necessary, the geometry of the tool needs to be changed.
When setting cutting parameters and paths, the speed and feed of the tool can be adjusted according to the changes of cutting load and cutting force, so as to complete the machining with the optimal cutting parameters and paths. For example, variable speed cutting in rough machining can effectively reduce the load of machine tools, while variable speed cutting in finish machining can significantly optimize the cutting quality, and the cutting efficiency of both machining methods can be improved by variable speed cutting.
In addition to theoretical speculation, the method of cutting optimization can also be simulated. Simulation processing adopts software with specific functions. By establishing a model and previewing the whole cutting process in the computer, it can well simulate various conditions occurring in processing and provide reference for cutting optimization. Related software includes NC programming, tool path simulation software Mastercam, tool simulation software advantagedge, etc.
Secondary utilization of cutting tools
Not all tools must be scrapped once they are damaged. Sometimes we can find ways to reuse them to reduce the cost of replacing tools. For example, the precision machining blade can be used for semi precision or rough machining after use; There are also some right-hand cutters, due to structural limitations, some of the cutting edges are worn and cannot be used. The non worn cutting edges can be used by making a left-hand cutter head; In addition, drill bits, taps and blades can be reused through grinding.
Tool management
In addition to technical improvements, management progress can also reduce costs. Specifically, it includes tool selection, test, purchase, adjustment, grinding, repair, inventory setting and control, tool life control, tracking analysis and solution of processing problems in production, tool optimization and improvement, etc. This is a complex process, and a perfect tool management system needs to be established to ensure that the process is stable, controllable and efficient.