Matthew McGuire recently observed how changing only the method of coolant delivery could enable more effective machining of Inconel 718. Prior to IMTS last year, Mr. McGuire, process development engineer for Makino, was optimizing an aerospace airfoil machining operation that was to be demonstrated at the show on a Makino multifunction G5 five-axis HMC. Originally, the process for the 45-HRc material used 12- and 6-mm solid carbide ball end mills for respective roughing and finishing operations. Because the tools didn't support through-spindle coolant delivery, a hydraulic toolholder with a reducing collet was used to enable coolant to reach the tool tip. However, the tools only lasted one part with a cycle time of 60 minutes for each.
展开▼
