What are your favourite multitasking tools?

Just interested to know what multitasking specific tools (Sandvik mini turret for example) you guys are using, and what you find most useful.

I'm looking at tooling up a new machine (capto C6) and would like a heads up as I'm new to this type of machine.....

TIA.

coroplex TT really useful... we use 3 of this for Alu, s/s, steel. we also have one 35° with the TR-VB insert (best 35° on the market) and the same tool with the dnmg-432 insert.
Easy fix boring bar really worth it too. We didnt go on with mini turret due to rigidity and tool weight... We also have the Coroplex MT but we use it only on 5-10 of job.. not sure if this worth the price... and it is not really usable on inner Ø. You are better to invest on a shrink fit system than a Corogrip system... at least a good power chuck will do the job !!!!

Having worked with every system available on Integrx beleive me, You made the best choice choosing the capto system....... they really have the best line available !!!!

Thanks Pete.

TT definately looks like a must have.

I was actually wondering how useful the MT would be. I expect I would find myself avoiding it for milling, being a fairly large diameter with only 2 inserts. Could be great with the right job though I expect.

So Pete, in your experience you would say that shrink fit is the best system to go with?
I don't have any shrink fit tools in my machines now, but I was also thinking it would be the best combination of rigidity and size for a mill/turn machine.

Who other than Sandvik is making tools specificly for multitasking?

Kennametal makes a formidable line of multi-tasking tools for the integrex. We have 4 integrexs and all are equiped with KM63 spindles. Flash tools, shrink fits, ect. Down side to kennametal is that for instance i have a $3500.00 order out now with a 5 week lead time for delivery :( But if you have a good sales rep, then he will hook you up with some trials to use till your order comes in.

Unfortunately Kennametal don't seem to do Capto tooling. Direct competitor to KM I guess.

I checked out Iscar's site and they seem to have a good range of Capto tooling. (they call it CAMFIX though)

Big Daishowa also have some nice stuff, but it's all single purpose. I'd like to see what they could come up with if they put some thought into it.......

you must be careful with shrink fit.... you cant switch on thru coolant because there is no where for the coolant to escape , which means if its on and you call the next tool for a tool change the pressure behind the tool forces the tool out of the capto coupling with a "pop/ hiss" noise it won't drop the tool but it doesn't sound very good. I like to make sure when I use shrink fit to only use external coolant and switch off internal.

as for tooling
I like the sanvic 570 coupling system for boring/ internal tools
keep the body in the same position and only change the head from boring to internal threading to 55DI to internal grooving all you have to do is setup the tool descriptions once for say tool 10 and keep them in the position

INT BORE
INT THREAD
INT GROOVE

depending on what you want to use at the time

Rodzilla

Sandvik told me that Capto is now an ISO standard and anyone can now make it without Sandviks permission.


We have had the same problem with some KM63 tools.

Sandvik's MiniTurret is a real timesaver for me. I can do four processes with one toolchange.

Rough OD (80deg), Fin OD/ Undercut (35deg), and Thread OD. (NB. 20mm shank Not 25mm)

Well, five actually. I need to finish the face behind the thread to remove the scratches left from the threading swarf.

Be warned though, the thru coolant nozzles on this tool are USELESS. They don't reach the tips, and after a couple of weeks they loosen up and just point any old place they want to. Definitely external coolant only.

I prefer the Iscar(ETM) collet chucks over Sandvik though.

You can believe all the hype about how good the Capto design is. I was sceptical before using it, but am now a true believer.

My all time favorite, hands down is the Kennametal KM63XMZKM25 Multi Tasking head. It uses dozens of KM25 heads, so you can configure it limitless ways in Mazatrol. I have several of these heads typically set up with 3 roughing inserts (standard and spare tooling) and a finish insert, or a roughing and finishing CNMG insert and a roughing and finishing VNMG insert. Mostly these are used to hold turning tools and they work great. They easily paid for themselves simply through cycle time reductions.

If you use EIA you can mount KM 3225 tools that are on the pocket centerline, and then have 4 boring tools in one head. I typically use collets to hold a centerdrill, drill, boring bar, and a threading insert or id grooving tool all in one holder. They really save cycle time on the subspindle.

Still, my all time favorite tool is the Kennametal KM63XMZMCMNNF12115Y neutral profiling tool that uses CNMG inserts. I use it so much I had them make me a bunch of custom neutral tools that hold VNMG inserts. They are super handy for profiling work.

I use a couple Mazak flash tools, and they work great for specific parts, but otherwise they make an expensive endmill holder. They are best saved for when the cycle time reduction justifies the use of an $1800 tool.

Wow, you guys are a wealth of information.
This is exactly the kind of help I was hoping for.

Thanks a lot and keep it coming :)