Online access to machine tool knowledge

Machine tool manufacturers have developed a variety of online tools that give customers in the composites industry access to lessons learned, best practices and information about the latest machine tool technologies. They aim to provide some standardization in an industry where no two parts or processes are exactly the same.

AMAMCO (Duncan, S.C.) has developed www.customcarbidetools.com, which features composites machining articles, videos and industry news. Similarly, Sandvik Coromant (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) has developed a blog, www.compositemachining.org, operated by Eleanor Merson, manager of the company’s R&D Center in Sheffield, U.K. The new Web site of Cajero Ltd. (Isle of Sheppey, Kent, U.K.) features a blog, case studies, machining videos and a “branded” program of cutting tools for composites (www.cajero.co.uk).

Sandvik is also developing an online database where customers can put in their application, materials and other key details, and receive recommended tools and usage guidelines (speed, feed rate, tool life, etc.).

Niagara Cutter (Amherst, N.Y.), now owned by SECO Tools (Fagersta, Sweden; recently acquired by Sandvik Coromant), offers a wide variety of technical information, including troubleshooting guides, tool and operation guidelines, white papers and tech tips at www.niagaracutter.com/techinfo.

CVD Diamond Corp. (London, Ontario, Canada) answers common questions about chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of diamond tooling in its Frequently Asked Questions page at www.cvddiamond.com/FAQ-frequently-asked-questions-about-diamond-coated-tools.shtml. LMT Onsrud LP (Waukegan, Ill.) offers access to drill tool intelligence in both its FAQs and Technical Papers pages at
www.onsrud.com.