In reimagining the turning process with the development of High Dynamic Turning and its FreeTurn range of cutters, Ceratizit Group continues to push the envelope of creativity. Now, along with its partners in the world of machine control and CAM software, it has expanded the opportunities to implement this radical turning technology.
The key benefits of High Dynamic Turning (HDT) and the associated Ceratizit FreeTurn system of turning tools are well documented, but in brief, it allows the full potential of multi-tasking machine tools to be realised. Using the milling spindle of these machines, one FreeTurn can achieve the same result as multiple turning tools would have done previously. This brings significant efficiency gains as time-consuming tool changes are eliminated. For example, on some machines, with non-optimised positioning of tools in a chain-type tool change carousel, chip-to-chip times can be as high as 10 seconds when tool changing. Therefore, eliminating just two tool changes can greatly reduce cycle times. A further benefit is the elimination of ‘traditional’ sister tools. Each FreeTurn insert has three cutting edges, which can all be used for roughing or finishing, so a simple machine-controlled index of the tool presents a fresh cutting edge, without any manual intervention. Compare this to the conventional turning tool in a turret, where the machine must be stopped and the operator manually indexes the insert, more production time is lost. With HDT and FreeTurn fully automated production is created and machine availability is now 24/7. Machining efficiency is also improved as by using the axis of the machine milling spindle the approach angle of the FreeTurn can be optimised as, unlike other systems the FreeTurn approach angle can be adjusted, in-cut, ensuring correct chip thickness and maximum metal removal at all times. Similarly, the same FreeTurn can be used on both main and sub-spindles as the rotation of the spindle, whether clockwise or counter-clockwise is compensated for by positioning the tool above or below the component centreline.
