Horn to offer Ernst Graf tooling for sliding-head lathes and more

Ernst Graf produces tooling and retrofit pumping systems for machining applications using through-tool pressurised coolant. "The Graf tooling significantly expands our capability to supply tooling solutions for these classes of machine," explains Mike Green, Horn's UK general manager. "We have offered a limited range of Horn tooling for sliding-head machines for some time. However, the Graf system provides a much broader general capability, while through-tool coolant delivery offers the next step forward for quality, productivity and manufacturing economy on this type of machine." The range of standard tooling available is also said to be extensive. As well as high performance general-purpose tooling for automatic lathes, there is a similarly wide range of round shank tooling and back-working tooling, as well as circular part-off tools and disk cutting off tools. A key feature of the back-working tools is the facility for mounting with the insert facing up or down, while retaining precise screw adjustment of centre height. The system is modular, with basic holders available to suit most proprietary specifications, as well as VDI standard clamping arrangements. Toolholders for all types of tool are available, with or without through-tool coolant arrangements. For those with coolant, the internal galleries are configured to supply coolant as close to the cutting edge as possible so as to maximise the benefit. Holders developed for use with Horn SuperMini, for instance, have the outlet aligned with the coolant hole passing through the insert, while blade-type tools have coolant emerging from multiple jets just behind the insert. Insert types depend on the application, although, in recent years, Graf and Horn have co-operated closely on tool development. "The Graf approach to tooling development has much in common with Horn, in that both systems are developed to provide the end user with the highest quality solution for machining capability. We anticipate that Graf will be an important addition to the range of tooling that we currently supply," Mr Green concludes.