Precision cutting tool specialist Mapal has developed two new approaches to tool design. The first uses welded construction to reduce tool weight, while the second relies on the use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CRFP) tool extensions not only to reduce weight but also to enhance machining accuracy.
The requirement for large accurately machined parts has increased in recent years and because of the high value of these parts, reliable machining methods are essential so it is important to minimise the time and energy requirements for the machining processes. Mapal is now producing bespoke cutting tools using welded construction, which show a weight reduction of 50 per cent, thereby providing valuable energy economies in the machining process.
For applications where tools with large projecting lengths are needed, Mapal is offering tools with CFRP extensions which have a specific bulk up to 80 per cent lower than their steel equivalents, with no loss of stability or rigidity. A further benefit of the CFRP extensions is their low thermal coefficient of expansion, which gives increased process reliability when machining large bores with tight tolerances. For all applications involving the precision machining of large parts, Mapal provides a technical support service that can explain the benefits of its new technologies, and help users to implement suitable machining processes.
