|
Inserted Dovetail Form Tooling - Zero-Movement/Quick-Change |
|
|
Crowley Tool Company uses the concept of Zero-movement in the manufacture of our tooling as a way to achieve the fastest possible tool changeovers within a family of parts to be machined on a dedicated multi-spindle screw machine. Even though zero-movement tool packages can be manufactured similar to old-style solid high-speed steel and brazed-carbide dovetail form tools, Crowley Tool has taken this concept to the next level by using insertable dovetail form tools to gain true zero-movement quick-change capability. Our system breaks down the basic
solid componenent of a solid dovetail form tool into four distinct components: dovetail insert holder, insert clamp, anvil and insert. This system allows for more efficient setups over solid dovetail form tools because, once we have set the datum of our inserted design for a given set of tools for a given part in a family, all form tool adjustments necessary for another part in the family, are automatically compensated for by simply replacing the insert/anvil assembly while the dovetail insert holder remains in the machine. Because our system allows for quicker tool changes and eliminates costly tool regrinding, we have saved many parts manufacturers thousands of dollars in production and tool grinding costs.
|
Special Coatings
In order to optimize tool performance, we utilize different coatings for our
inserts to give machine operators the capability to significantly increase tool
life over solid high-speed and brazed-carbide form tools. These coatings
include TiN, TiCN, TiAIN, AICrN, CrN, WC/C & DLC.
Also to optimize performance, we add side clearances to all of our inserts to
increase tool life by decreasing heat-generating friction. Side clearances
are unavailable on solid form tools. |