Coming to grips with turbine and impeller machining

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Cutting programs pushed to the limit

Cutting programs at Liechti Engineering were pushed to their limit in comparison tests. A constant feed rate of over 7 mm/min on 5-axis machines saw all five axes move simultaneously. It’s a process that requires a tool clamping system suited to the job, Liechti Engineering says. In one example, an hour-long two-stage test (on a stainless blade X20CR3 1.4021) was conducted using inside and peripheral area cooling of the tool; tool length from the holder collar to the tip of the workpiece was 158 mm. Microscopic imaging revealed less wear with the pow-R-grip system compared to similar products, an important outcome as tools must be replaced before wear occurs to ensure the surface quality of the turbine.

In this and other applications, the pow-R-grip system seems to have proved its worth. Designed by family-owned Swiss tool makers Rego-Fix especially for grinding, the system is also used for light roughing operations in which it is said to achieve less tool wear and a high-level of vibration damping.

The fact that the tool can be clamped without heating up and that it is available for use immediately after machining are further claimed advantages. In addition, the product is said to allow for rapid clamping (less than 10 seconds) and has a T.I.R. of less than 3 µm. Transferable torque is claimed to remain high even after 20,000 tool changes. Tool clamping tolerances for all types of tool shanks are in h6 tolerance from Ø 0.2 mm – 25.4 mm whereas the precision of its length adjustment repeatability is given at <10 μm.

(ID:43140356)

Toolholding

Coming to grips with turbine and impeller machining

Cutting programs pushed to the limit