CARB-I-TOOL is a premier Australian cutting tool that has been operating for over 40 years. Specialising in the production of engineering and woodworking tools for the Australian, Asian and European markets; their headquarters consists of a large factory, showroom and storage facility.
Over the last few years, CARB-I-TOOL has seen an increase in demand for tools for the machining of plastic and composite materials. To keep pace with this demand, they recently invested in an ANCA MX7 Linear to focus on producing their range of compression routers (single and multi-flute) and other solid carbide tooling for materials such as MDF, plastic, carbon fibre, aluminum composite material and special tooling for exotic materials. These are used in a wide range of industries including automotive, aerospace, marine and general engineering.
The investment of the MX7 Linear complemented their existing MX7 machine and enabled CARB-I-TOOL to offer a first-hand comparison between both types of machines and drive systems. The MX7 Linear is driven by linear motors on the X- and Y-axis while the MX7 is driven by ballscrews.
It is evident when viewing the tools ground on the MX7 Linear, the surface finish on all surfaces of the tool is to a very high quality. The finish on the flute is highly polished. Ross Storay, CARB-I-TOOL production manager said, “When grinding tools on the MX7 Linear we achieve a mirror finish on the flute without a spark out pass or using a fine grit wheel.”
As well as being pleasing to the eye, it is recognised that highly polished flutes and gash surfaces improve chip evacuation and aid tool performance during machining. Polished flutes have a smoother surface and the swarf (or chips) can exit more freely from the flute.
CARB-I-TOOL sales manager Mark Hamilton commented, “I have received feedback from our customers advising me that tool life is increased and performance is better from tools ground on the MX7 Linear.” Mark adds, “This can only increase customer loyalty, as our customers know that when they buy a tool from us they can be confident the tool will perform to a high standard.”
Ross continued that when comparing tools ground on the MX7 Linear to the MX7 ballscrew machine, there are significant cycle time benefits., “As well as seeing an improved surface finish, we have achieved a reduction in cycle time of up to 10% when grinding tools on the MX7 Linear.”
Ross also found the force of the MX7 Linear machine is better than the MX7 and can push the machine harder when fluting. Overall Ross found that he was very satisfied with the performance of the MX7 Linear and anticipates that further improvements can be made on their range of tools.
Using LaserPlus to get the tool right every time
CARB-I-TOOL is a company continually investing in the best equipment. As part of their investment strategy they purchased the LaserPlus measurement system on the MX7 Linear. Using the LaserPlus, the operator can perform accurate in-process measuring without removing tools from the machine. The laser measurement process is fully automated and requires no operator intervention and can measure and maintain an accuracy ± 0.002mm (0,0001”) or less over a large batch of tools.
The LaserPlus is excellent for maintaining tight tolerances on the outside diameter Ross said, “Customers are always demanding tighter tolerances on the tool diameter. With the LaserPlus, we measure the diameter on every tool to ensure the tool is correct first time.”
“Since using the laser we have virtually eliminated scrap tools,” Ross concluded which means CARB-I-TOOLS can be secure in the knowledge the LaserPlus will compensate for any minor variations from the nominal tolerance due to the accuracy and repeatability of the laser.
ANCA is a market leading manufacturer of CNC grinding machines. It was founded in 1974 in Melbourne, Australia where the company still has its global headquarters. ANCA has offices in the UK, Germany, China, Thailand, India, Japan, Brazil and the USA as well as a comprehensive network of representatives and agents worldwide. ANCA CNC grinders are used for manufacturing.
ANCA CNC grinders are used for manufacturing precision cutting tools and components across a diverse range of competitive industries including cutting tool manufacture, automotive, aerospace, electronics and medical.
