Product category:
Tool and cutter grinding
News Release from: Koerber Schleifring UK | Subject: Heli Toolcheck tool measuring machine
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 16 February 2006
Tool measuring machine ousts human error
An extra tool measuring machine, added to work with four CNC tool grinding machines, has been able to eliminate human error when supplying conformance reports to customers.
By adding a Walter Heli Toolcheck tool measuring machine to its existing armoury of four Walter Helitronic Power CNC tool grinding machines, world leading cutting tool manufacturer Hydra Clarkson International has been able to eliminate human error when supplying conformance reports to blue chip customers such as Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems Designed to measure complex cutting tools in a single set-up, the Walter Heli Toolcheck - available from Korber Schleifring UK of Honiley near Kenilworth - was installed by the Yorkshire company to meet the demands of certain larger customers, "Who expressed the need to receive certificates of conformance with cutter deliveries," explains Hydra Clarkson's head of operations, Tony Egley
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 29 Sep 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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"We had been using traditional techniques such as optical projection to measure tools, but knew that an automated method would eliminate any human error - after all, the naked eye will always struggle when all we are talking about is one or two microns." The Heli Toolcheck accommodates tools up to 300mm diameter and 500mm long, and has a repeatable measuring accuracy of +/-2 microns.
It has X, Y and Z axes of 310mm by 290mm by 640mm - and 60 rev/min in the rotational (A) axis - and is designed for the standard tolerance (+/-2 to 4 microns) measuring of cylindrical and conical shank-type cutters and drills, for example, including features such as rake angle, helix angle, lead, relief angle and profile scan.
Resolution in all linear axes is 0.2 micron and in the rotational axis it is 0.0025 deg.
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Repeat accuracy on diameter and length measurements is +/-2 microns.
Although Hydra Clarkson's roots extend back to the 1800s, the company has been part of the US-based Jasco Group since 2000.
Having the financial backing of Jasco has allowed it to invest in new machinery for its Sheffield plant, where it employs 145 people.
For example, over the past four years the company has installed four new Walter Helitronic Power CNC tool grinding machines.
However, the decision to add the Heli Toolcheck was not a foregone conclusion.
"The selection process was a long road," says Egley.
"Eventually we reduced the shortlist to two models, and the factors that edged it in favour of the Walter machine were the excellent level of service we have always received for our Helitronic Powers - in my opinion the service and support is second-to-none in the entire industry - as well as the very competitive package price." Installed in September 2005, the Walter Heli Toolcheck is being used to measure small batches of form cutters and end mills, although Hydra Clarkson intends shortly to use the machine to check its full range of tapping cutters.
"We see the machine as a production aid rather than simply a device for final inspection," adds Egley.
"It is helping us introduce a right-first-time methodology into our manufacturing processes." Hydra Clarkson employs a high percentage of skilled operators and its strategy regarding the Walter Heli Toolcheck is to train three or four key personnel who will then be responsible for cascading the knowledge to others.
At present the company is undergoing a process of shopfloor optimisation that involves the relocation of several machines, including the Walter Helitronic Powers.
When complete, the intention is to network the Heli Toolcheck with the grinding machines, meaning that the grinder set-up could be reduced by up to 50%.
"I am really pleased with the Heli Toolcheck," concludes Egley.
"It is another tick in our box when customers are looking at their checklist for supplier selection, and proves that we are investing in quality, not just production machinery.".
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