Seeking Balance? The Benefits of Balanced Tools

We could all use a little balance in our lives - especially when talking about rotating tool assemblies in modern machine tools.  While it might not seem apparent, out of balance tools can wreak havoc on your operations.  Part finish, size, insert life and cycle time are all affected by the balance of the tool assembly.  Less obvious is what out-of-balance tools do to the machine tool, especially the spindle.

Higher production is often achieved with higher spindle speeds.  Machine tool spindle speeds have continued to increase over the past two decades.  These higher spindle speeds accentuate any out-of-balance conditions.  Think about your washing machine; when the laundry is somewhat balanced the machine runs smoothly.  When the laundry is out of balance the machine sounds like it is going to come apart.  The more out-of-balance or the higher the speed; the more apparent the condition is.

Most tool assemblies, applications, and machine tools can benefit from balancing.

The tool pictured here is a typical external threading tool.  This tool rotates around the part and cuts threads.  It has three identical inserts spaced equally around the "business end" of the tool.  You would think that this tool is "balanced" right out of the box. This tool made good parts but the customer was looking for ways to reduce cycle times - increase production.

Upon our initial inspection we found the tool to be 141.3 grams out of balance.  Initially tested at a speed of 176 RPMs.  Imagine this tool running at 8,500 RPMs!  With a quick check on our Haimer Tool Dynamic balancer and some re-balancing (adding or removing material as needed) we were able to significantly improve the balance of this assembly.

The tool now measures 2 grams at 8,500 RPMs.  The difference can be felt and heard.  The tool runs noticeably smoother and in-turn can be run faster.  The end result is a better part, made faster, with less wear on the machine tool.

Isn't that what we all want?

The provided screen shots show the actual before and after tool condition.  These reports can be provided with each tool balance we perform.

To summarize; balancing your tool assemblies can improve surface finish, allow for increased speeds & feeds, improve cutting edge life (indexable insert life), and reduce wear and tear on the machine tool.

To learn more about Haimer balancers or our balancing services contact us.

Free Tooling Consultations

"No such thing as free" you say?  Well, for more than 60 years we have been providing free tooling consultations.  No fees.  No add-ons.  No kidding.  Why would we do that?  It's simple; we want you to succeed and when you do we want you to come back to us again and again.

What is a tooling consultant?  First off, if you're one of those people that don't like "consultants" rest assured.  We are not trying to sell consultative services.  We are trying to sell tooling - but - we sell it at the same price as companies that don't provide the same level of tooling expertise.

Our tooling consultants are experienced, industry professionals.  Our diverse group of technical specialists all share the same goal: to assist you with your tooling needs.  Anyone in any department in any office can be called upon at any time - every member of Team ET is at your service.

No part number?  No problem.  Tell us what you are working on, or looking for, and we'll source the right tool for you.  Not getting the tooling life or cycle time you desire?  Reach out.  Advice is free.  Tooling up for a new part?  We provide complete tooling packages with balancing, presetting, heat shrinking, assembly, packaging and more.  Your new tools arrive ready to go in the spindle.  Tagged with machine, spindle number, length, and any other information you require.  Often for no additional charge.

No matter where you are located we can support you.  No job is too big or too small.  No project is too complicated or too simple.  Contact one of our tooling consultants for technical support, application recommendations, product sourcing, or a general question.  We are here to help.

Our consultative services are not limited to cutting tools. We have applications specialists in all product categories; abrasives, assembly tools, material handling, safety, and janitorial.

Call us or email us.
800-236-1975

Stop Presetting Tools in Your Machine

Your machine makes money when it is machining.  You do everything you can to maximize efficiency, increase productivity, and reduce downtime.  You have to.

Tool changers, pallet changers, quick-change fixtures, and dozens of improvements are made to reduce the time that a spindle sits idle.  So why do so many people still set tool lengths in the machine?  "Setting a tool only takes a minute or two."  Yes, but setting just 20 tools can mean a loss of 40 minutes of productivity.  That's 3-1/2 hours per week setting tools - working only one shift.  That equates to two days a month lost productivity.

Did you know you can also save time and money tooling up a new machine or job?  Next time you consider a new machine or a new job give us a call.  We can supply your tooling packages (no matter the size) fully assembled and preset.
Every tool arrives labeled and ready to put into action.

Contact us today to learn more.


Tool Presetters

Even the smallest machine shop can benefit from presetting tools.  Not sure which one you need?  Simply contact us, we are here to help.  We don't just sell them; we use them, we install them, and we service them.

Haimer Microset GmbH

Haimer Microset presetters are available with max. tool diameters up to 500mm and tool lengths up to 1000mm.

Tool presetting at a high level at an attractive price. The UNO works exceptionally accurately and offers perfect results for tool dimensions with a diameter of up to 400 mm and measuring lengths of up to 400 mm (optional: 700 mm). This is ensured by a thermo-stable construction, high quality measuring systems and a high-performance software.

The VIO series is designed for measuring all tools. It is compatible with the machine tools of all manufacturers and covers the most individual requirements with its numerous options. This version with a manual operating concept ensures high quality components and the high power software Microvision VIO as standard.

VIO linear – the premium solution for highest precision and speed.

Better than ±2 μm repeatability, up to 25 % faster measuring cycles and unique ergonomics are market leading features. This outstanding performance is made possible by the linear drives, which are used for the first time in tool presetting.


Parlec Presetters

Parlec offers several presetters from the entry level Origin for under $10,000 to full-blown CNC tool presetters.  Video measuring, powerful software, and quality construction add up to superior performance.

Let this entry level bench mounted Tool Measuring Machine be the beginning of your process. The Origin is designed to provide basic video tool measuring and inspection functionality at an economical price.

Imaging: 70x Video Measuring, 19" Monitor

Measuring Length: 483 mm (19”)

Measuring Diameter: 254 mm (10”)

Spindle:

• 40 OR 50 TAPER (CAT/BT/ISO/SK)

• 360° Braking

• 360° Angle indicator

• Adapt to other connections with additional adapters

The Series 1550 TMM® is the starter offering  into our production ready Tool Measuring Machines.

At the core of the machine is cast iron construction, high grade bearings and guideways that are paired with Parlec's unsurpassed ParleVision® imaging system. This unit is perfect for customization as there are many options available for this series tool measuring machine.

If the Origin is not quite enough and the 1850 seems like too much then the 1550TMM presetter might be right for you.  Not sure?  Let us help.  Give us a call 800-236-1975.

 At the core of the Series 1850 TMM® is ductile cast iron construction, high grade bearings and guideways that are paired with Parlec's unsurpassed ParleVision® imaging system. This unit includes many features such as a touch screen monitor, vacuum clamping, and surface inspection. Additionally that integrated base with retractable castors allows this unit to be placed virtually anywhere.

Watch our YouTube video of the Parlec 1850TMM with Speedscan technology.


The 1850TMM is the workhorse for the Parlec presetter family.  When precision, performance, and production really matter look to the 1850 series presetters.


Contact Engman-Taylor for all your production needs.  Presetters, tooling, tool packages, service, support & more.

2016 Carbide Insert Catalog Now Available

Premium Quality Tooling at Competitive Prices

Our 2016 Carbide Insert catalog is now available.  Milling and grooving inserts have been added along with several new chip breakers and coatings.  It doesn't matter if you are a one person shop or a large scale production facility we will save you money with our inserts.  We have a near 100% success rate when we test against any one of the big brands carbide companies out there.  Not only do we perform equal to or greater than your existing tools, we are almost always less expensive.  Whether you are looking at cost-per-part or cost-per-insert we can help drive down your total production costs.  Engman-Taylor has partnered with some of the best manufacturers in the industry and carbide inserts are no exception.

Contact us today to request a catalog or to arrange a trial.

Don't get us wrong, we represent many of the world's premier carbide manufacturers and they are often the first choice for turning and milling operations.  There are a lot of choices out there and we are here to recommend the best insert for the job no matter how the package is labeled.  Every job, material, and machine presents a unique challenge; we will help you determine which inserts are, or are not, good candidates to try.  We rely on our cutting tool applications specialists and so should you.

We know that every job is a balance between cost and performance and we strive to always provide the right tool for the job.  Whether or not you make a profit often comes down to this choice and we realize that you may not always need, or want to pay for, indefinite tool life.

We carry all popular styles, sizes, chipbreakers, and grades.  From CCGT to VCMT we have you covered.   Browse our online catalog and don't let the prices fool you; these are premium quality cutting tools without the big brand markup.  Call today to learn more 800-236-1975.


Carbide Inserts

View the complete catalog here (pdf)

View a cross reference / grade comparison chart here (pdf)

Shop Online here




Round Tooling


View the complete catalog here (pdf)

Shop Online here

Harvey Tool Double Angle Shank Cutters

With so many tools, from so many suppliers, we just can't share them all - but some are so useful we just have to tell you about them.

Take the Harvey Tool Double Angle Cutters:

Six Tools in One!

Double Angle Shank Cutters are often overlooked by many machine shops but these tools have some incredible applications that nearly every shop could use. Ideal for back chamfering, deburring, and milling a V-groove, Harvey Tool's Double Angle Shank Cutters solve a diversity of problems and improve efficiency.

Technical Resources

Speeds & Feeds

Downloadable and printer-friendly Speeds & Feeds are available to help you optimize running all your Harvey Tools. IMPORTANT NOTE: Each PDF is multiple pages long. Please scroll within the PDF to find the correct series number associated with your tool.

• Double Angle Shank Cutters - 30°-55° Included
• Double Angle Shank Cutters - 40°-50° Included
• Double Angle Shank Cutters - 60°-120° Included
• Double Angle Shank Cutters - 90° Included, Radiused

Simulation Files

Harvey Tool offers its master library of Simulation Files specifically scaled to the geometry of each tool to help you simulate running parameters and create tool paths.

Technical Articles

Use Angles Untangled to uncover the ins and outs of machining angles. This informative guide will help you select the exact tool for your application.

Have a cool use for double angle cutters that you want to share?  We would love to hear from you.

Contact us for question regarding Harvey Tool or any of the brands we represent.

Engman-Taylor Brand Premium Quality Cutting Tools

Premium Quality Tooling at Competitive Prices

We know that every job is a balance between cost and performance and we strive to always provide the right tool for the job.  Whether or not you make a profit often comes down to this choice and we realize that you may not always need, or want to pay for, indefinite tool life.  Engman-Taylor has partnered with some of the best manufacturers in the industry and our private label tools are no exception.

Carbide Inserts

View the complete catalog here (pdf)

View a cross reference / grade comparison chart here (pdf)

Shop Online here

Round Tooling


View the complete catalog here (pdf)

Shop Online here

ETCO VI-PRO High Performance Endmills

Have you tried our VI-PRO (Variable index) endmills yet?  We would love to hear from you if you have.  If you have not yet tried the VI-PRO endmills this is your chance.  We are offering all VI-PRO endmills at 60% off list price (through July 31st, 2014).

The VI-PRO is a High Performance, solid carbide endmill, that incorporates the ultimate in variable index geometry. Our flute configuration produces a harmonics shift, resulting in minimal chatter and an exceptional finish.

Contact Engman-Taylor Today to learn more or place an order

Order Online @ www.engman-taylor.com



Have a video of the VI-PRO running?  We would love to see it.  Upload to YouTube and let us know, maybe we'll feature your video in our next blog post.  Our YouTube page

Download the VI-PRO catalog (PDF < 4Mb)

• Used in all slotting, roughing, profiling and finishing applications
• High Performance, chatter free machining provides versatility in use for all ferrous materials
• Designed for use in Alloy Steels, Cast Iron, Titanium, Stainless Steel, High Temp and all other ferrous materials up to 50HRc
• Enables higher SFM and heavier chip loads
• Eccentric Relief on the cutting edge provides enhanced edge strength
• Available in 4 & 5 Flute - Stub, Regular, Long & Extra Long Lengths
• Available in Square End, Ball Nose and various Corner Radius sizes
• Offered in ALTIN & ALCRO-MAX to cover a wide range of materials
• Made in the USA from premium solid micrograin carbide

Do you use Variable Index endmills?  Do you use the VI-PRO endmills?  Let us know, we'd love to hear from you.

Engman-Taylor is now a full-line distributor for Mitsubishi Materials

Engman-Taylor is proud to announce the addition of Mitsubishi Materials to our already robust list of world-class suppliers.  The addition of Mitsubishi high quality cutting tools will help us, to help you, achieve the highest possible quality at the lowest possible overall price.

Contact us today to learn more.

Do You Want a Free Toolholder? As in a High Quality, Walter Cut Grooving Holder.

Purchase 10 qualifying inserts at the normal price and we will throw in the corresponding holder - FREE.

To make things easy we have assembled 10  of the most popular tool combinations.  Each kit contains 10 inserts + free holder.

Simply select the desired holder style, application, or insert and pay for the 10 inserts.  We'll send the kit to you.

Download/View the flyer for kit details, holder dimensions, or insert specifications.

Order Online

Offer expires February 28th or while supplies last