Maintaining Industrial Equipment

Machining companies are always looking for ways to make their manufacturing processes more efficient. High-speed machining is utilized in many shops to reduce production times. While increasing the spindle speeds can increase efficiency, these increased speeds can also amplify the negative effects of any imperfections in your tool settings.

Vibration occurs when spindle speeds are increased. Referred to in the machining industry as chatter, these vibrations could result in serious damage to your finished product. Proper tool balance is critical in high-speed machining applications to help keep vibrations to a minimum.

Proper balance extends tool life.

The tools that are used in machining applications can be costly. You want to ensure that your tools last as long as possible to keep operational costs as low as possible. High-speed machining can place a lot of stress on your tools.

When the tools are not balanced properly, uneven wear will occur. This uneven wear pattern will compromise the structural stability of your tools and create weak points where tools are more likely to break. Take the time to balance your tools before engaging in high-speed machining so that tools will wear evenly and last longer.

Balanced tools preserve the surface finish.

The uneven wear produced by increased vibration during high-speed machining can result not only in damage to the tool itself but to the surface of the material you are working on. The higher the rotational speed of your machining tools, the greater the centrifugal forces exerted on the tool will be.

Small unbalances in the setting of the tool are amplified as the mass of the tool rotates further away from the center during high-speed machining. The tool will wander across the surface of your raw materials, resulting in visible damage that must be buffed or polished out. This adds to production times and can offset the savings achieved with high-speed machining techniques.

Ensure your tools are balanced so that the finish of your material surfaces remains intact.

Balanced tools reduce machine wear.

The machining process relies on expensive equipment for proper completion. The machines that are in your shop can be costly to repair or replace, so preserving the integrity of your machines should be a top priority.

An unbalanced tool used in high-speed machining processes could put undue stress on the machine itself. Greater resistance during machining occurs when tools are not properly balanced, and the vibrations produced by an unbalanced tool can damage the mounts and motor of your machine.

Balance your tools before each machining sessions to protect your machinery against damage.

Visit a company like MGM Plastics to learn more.