Machine Matters

Development in the spindle design for high speeds is the mainstay of the high-speed machines. Manufacturing today finds out how vendors look at designs of such machines

- BINDU GOPAL RAO

Faster machining of parts coupled with higher throughput without compromising the accuracy, surface finish and repeatability is always the focus of the manufacturing industries. High Speed Machining (HSM) involves faster removal of material compared to conventional machining for which feed, spindle speed and torque characteristics, depth of cut, cutting tool, NC program preparation and program transfer and execution play an important role and HSM ensures quality, surface finish extended tool life, accuracy and overall increase in productivity. High speed machining is use of higher spindle speed of more than 20000rpm and higher feed rates compared to conventional machining and material removal is carried out using small size cutting tools by giving faster and lighter cuts.

ADVANTAGE CNC

CNC increases production choices as CNC machines are software driven and updateable and as a result of which new choices, new designs and new ideas can be easily implemented. “Although, CNC machines represent huge initial investment, but in long term there is a dramatic decrease in labor cost. CNC machines work on programming and maintenance, so we need to employ few technical technicians rather than hiring complete labour. While you will need to have a skilled employee that know how to use the CNC machine, that one person may well negate the need for individual workers trained in how to use each individual machine, as the CNC machine will be driving all the other machinery, automatically. If you are looking to manufacture small runs of a component, or indeed a bespoke piece, then you’re probably better sticking to conventional machining techniques. However, if you have high volume production rates of the same part, CNC may well be for you,” says Ashish Gupta,