The developer explained that axial forces created when machining in ISO S materials with a solid-carbide end mill exerts very high demands on the clamping mechanism. In some situations the tool can pull out from the chuck despite the chuck’s high clamping force. Components that are produced in these materials are expensive, and demand a high number of machining hours by the manufacturer. As such, the consequence of tool pull out is “catastrophic,” according to Sandvik Coromant.
The new iLock fixturing system addresses this problem by securing the end mill without interfering with the run-out precision of Shrink Fit. It does so thanks to helical grooves that are ground into the shank of the tool. Pin drivers mounted in the chuck prevent the tool from being pulled out of the holder during extreme machining conditions. “This solution provides maximum process security,” according to the developer.
The new chucks and solid-carbide end mills offer machine shops security against pull out as well as high precision performance, thus providing optimized metal cutting efficiency.
