Indexable Tooling

[Erlock]

I'm a rookie still at CNC machining but the bosses here at work think I'm pro. I got thrown into running, programing and set-up of all the CNC's at work. There is a boat load of indexable tooling to use. There problem I'm having is finding out what speeds and feeds to run it at. I know that you can run them a lot faster than your standard endmills and drills. Have some parts coming down the pipe soon that I would like to use this tooling on to increase run time, but have been unable to find how fast and how deep of cut I can use on this indexable tooling. Please help.


Thanks
Erlock

[psychomill]

Indexable Feeds and Speeds (just the same as solid tooling) depends on the same variables... material, programed cutting method, setup, machine, spindle taper, HP, insert type and material, coated/uncoated, etc, etc. This also may vary some with different tool makers as well. Your best bet (for the time being) is to start thumbing through catalogs, websites, etc for the tool brand to get some baselines and starting points. Most of them will have at least that, including some trouble shooting guides. Once you have a more specific issue, post your questions and there will be plenty of folks here who can help... give a more specific example if you're in doubt of what to do.

I would think though, your object is to decrease your run time.... not increase it.

I know that you can run them a lot faster than your standard endmills and drills.

This is not necessarily true either. The biggest advantage (providing no major misshaps) is that you can lower some initial costs due to only having to change the insert rather than the whole cutter. Many indexables will also repeat the insert position extremely well so you don't have to reset offsets. But don't think that just because its an indexable, it will go faster. There are some seriously kick ass solid tooling on the market...

[Chuck Reamer]

If it is a brand that your shop still deals with, call your salesman and ask him a bunch of the questions you need to know. At least he will be able to see the setup and machines, and can go from there.

Better yet get a rep from the manufacturer to come in and help you out, these people usually know a lot about this sort of thing. Looking through catalogs can be very time consuming why not let a salesmen do it for you.

Most salesmen are pretty good and have some machining back round, if you get a total dud then follow psychomills advice. People here are always willing to give a hand to a fellow metalworker.

good luck

[superunknown]

Check your private mail.
I sent you a message.

[Caprirs]

Checking with the sales rep is a good idea. Even when you have the tool in your hand, you may not know what grade insert is installed and that can make a huge difference in application. The insert for aluminum will be different from the one used on tool steel. Sometimes, there is a general purpose insert but with Iscar, Kennemetal, Valenite, and many other brands, they have specific grade inserts based on workpiece material.