With some some applications benefiting from a productivity increase in excess of 50%, PrimeTurning allows machine shops to complete longitudinal (both forward and back), facing and profiling operations with a single tool. The methodology sees the tool entering the component at the chuck and removing material as it travels towards the end of the component. This allows for the application of a small entry angle, higher lead angle and the possibility of machining with more aggressive cutting data. Furthermore, conventional turning (from part-end to chuck) can be performed using the same tools.
Some of the productivity improvements are due to the small entry angle and higher lead angle, which creates thinner, wider chips that spread both the load and the heat away from the nose radius. The result is both increased cutting data and extended tool life. In addition, as cutting is performed in the direction moving away from the shoulder, there is no danger of chip jamming - a common and unwanted effect of conventional longitudinal turning. Higher machine utilisation due to reduced set-up time and fewer production stops for tool changes also enhance overall productivity, the tooling specialist underlines.
PrimeTurning will be of particular benefit where there is a need to perform external turning operations in large batches or where multiple set-ups and tool changes are often required.
Says Håkan Ericksson, global product specialist at Sandvik Coromant: “Experienced operators know that a small entry angle allows for increased feed rate. However, in conventional turning they are restricted to using entry angles of around 90° to reach the shoulder and avoid the long, curved chips that a small entry angle characteristically delivers. PrimeTurning solves these problems by combining a perfect reach at the shoulder and the application of 25-30° entry angles with excellent chip control and maintained tolerances. This innovation presents countless possibilities to perform turning operations in much more efficient and productive ways. It’s not just a new tool, but a totally new way of turning.”
PrimeTurning is initially supported by the introduction of two dedicated CoroTurn Prime turning tools and the PrimeTurning code generator, which supplies optimised programming codes and techniques. CoroTurn Prime inserts have three edges/corners; one for longitudinal turning, one for facing and one for profiling, thus delivering efficient edge utilisation and longer tool life.
Two unique and dedicated inserts are offered: CoroTurn Prime A features three 35° corners and is designed for light roughing, finishing and profiling, while CoroTurn Prime B with its ultra-strong corners is designed specifically for rough machining.
Suitable for ISO P (steel), S (heat-resistant superalloys and titanium) and M (stainless steel) category materials, nine CoroTurn Prime A and six CoroTurn Prime B inserts are currently available, with expansion to other materials envisioned for the future. The inserts are supported by 52 variants of toolholder, including Coromant Capto, CoroTurn QS and shanks.
The PrimeTurning code generator not only ensures maximum output but also process security via suitably adjusted feed rate and entry radius parameters. It creates ISO codes that are compatible with various CNC systems.
