Based on Sumitomo’s expertise in the use of cubic boron nitride (CBN) insert technology, HFT hard turning trials have resulted in 12- to 16-times faster processing times over existing methods, while enabling existing manufacturing surface finish and tolerances to be maintained. However, adding to the marked success of the trials, insert life was doubled, aided by the availability of eight cutting edges from the CBN insert.
HFT toolholders feature a specially-developed insert location for speedy and accurate exchange, and the monoblock design caters for turning, boring and facing with machine interface couplings available in HSK, VDI, ISO-PSC and DIN shanks. The double-clamp insert system ensures higher stability of the insert with a direction defined coolant/air supply through the holder.
In recent hard turning trials, HFT CBN inserts were run at 150 m/min and 1.2 mm/rev to achieve over 1,200 parts per insert. Previous methods at slower cutting speeds only achieved 100 parts per insert.
Similarly for finishing cuts, previous tool life was 100 parts per insert, but HFT saw this increased to 1,600 parts, with speed increases to 150 m/min from 120 m/min.
