Scoring on stainless questions

[LockTech]

Hi everyone, I have a problem of going though TiAIN carbide drill point bits fast because I am using them to score 301 stainless. I am sure there has got to be a better way. The stainless is .025mm thick by .125 wide and I just need to score a line across the width of the stainless.

So far the only accurate way of doing this has been to place the stainless piece in a jig one at a time and let the drill point bit drag across the top while spindle rpms are at about 3000. Unfortunately, this dulls the tip rather fast.

Since the width of the stainless is .125 I have thought about using a diamond blade to score the surface, but that will require a lot of jig work. So before starting that I thought I'd ask around and see if anyone has some ideas. Better method, more appropriate bits, etc.

Thanks
Keith

[Geof]

How deep are you scoring? If it is just a line only a few thou deep here is an outside-the-box idea. Get a diamond dresser for grinding wheels and just drag this acorssd the stainless without any rotation.

[LockTech]

Geof, thats definatelty a possibility I hadnt thought of. The "score" is only deep enough to be used as a visual reference so it may work out well. This will need to be repeated hundreds or thousands of times on different stock. With no rotation, do you think that would be hard on the spindle bearings?

Any other ideas?

[Geof]

Originally Posted by LockTech ...... This will need to be repeated hundreds or thousands of times on different stock. With no rotation, do you think that would be hard on the spindle bearings? Any other ideas?

Good point. Absolutely no rotation could be a problem, Google 'false brinelling', and do some reading.

Just rotate very slowly, or use spindle orientation to move the spindle slightly between each pass.

When you read about false brinelling you will see it happens when the oil film gets squeezed out allowing metal to metal contact. I think all that would be needed is some rotation to re-establish the film.

[LaserImage]

Keith,
What about laser engraving the line? My laser has a beam of about .005, would that work? If so, I could laser them by the hundreds for a pretty reasonable price.

Gary

[LockTech]

Gary, thats sounds like a possibility as well. Do you have any ideas on pricing? If you'd like to, my email is locktech@locktech.biz if you'd rather discuss pricing privately. When you mention .005 is that referring to the depth or the width of the line?

Keith

[LaserImage]

I just sent you an email

Gary

[LockTech]

Gary, Did you get the samples I mailed? I tried emailing but got no response.

Keith

[LaserImage]

Keith,
I just checked my mail box and they were there. I'll have them marked asap and send them back to you. I don't know where you sent the email but I don't have anything trapped in my spam box. I'll send you one to make sure you have the right address.

Gary