Our universe operates according to its laws of physics. Mathematical calculations are vital to understanding how these forces work under certain conditions. Your CNC machining operations are no exception. Machining calculators help you establish operating parameters to get the best possible performance out of your metalworking tools. In this short guide, you learn more about these calculators plus other factors to consider when planning your operations.
The Array of Available Calculators Online
Using the right machining calculator makes a huge difference in your metalworking operations. They are particularly important for turning, drilling, and milling applications, ensuring that you apply the proper parameters to get your desired results. Depending on the tools and materials you use, you need machining calculators to find several critical values:
- Torque
- Power
- Force
- Feed rate
- Drill size
- Chip load
Keep in mind that these calculations produce theoretical values. They are best used for planning purposes, not to obtain values for the actual forces involved. Adjustments may be required in practice to achieve the results and quality you need.
Get the Job Done Right the First Time
Your production tooling systems rely on values like torque, force, and power. Though machining calculators produce theoretical values, this does not diminish their importance. Four compelling reasons stress their critical roles in planning your operations.
Choosing Equipment
Equipment selection for your is one of the vital first steps in creating your production environment. In other words, you need the right tools for the job. Materials and part specifications guide your choices.
Learning Machining Times
Production quotas play a role in your processes. But ultimately, it is about meeting your clients’ needs. Achieving a balance of speed and quality is ideal. Therefore, you need to understand how long machining operations take given the materials, part specs, and tool settings that best accommodate both.
Comparing Costs
Sometimes, many solutions and setups are possible for creating a certain part. It is up to you to choose which ones work best for your operations. While machining calculators do not directly solve for production costs, you take those figures into account when drawing up a production budget.
Optimizing Performance
Optimal performance often exists where machining times, superior part quality, and cost savings intersect. Theoretical values from machining calculators ultimately help you find that sweet spot.
The Benefits of Tool Reconditioning
Machining calculators help you maintain efficient, cost-effective production operations. However, you achieve these goals through multiple methods, including tool reconditioning. By getting more life out of your metalworking equipment, reconditioning services can decrease your tooling costs by up to 50%.
Tool reconditioning restores their surfaces, coating, and geometries to good-as-new condition. You save money by extending tool life and avoiding wasting material with inefficient and malfunctioning equipment. While every vendor is different, Kennametal can perform up to three regrinds on most metalworking tools.
Planning for Success
Several factors impact your operation’s success. Choosing the proper tools is first and foremost in the process. Machining calculators aid in planning so you get the best and most out of your metalworking tools. With reconditioning services available, you do not have to replace tools when they are only partially worn. Together with other strategic practices, you set up your production environment for optimal speed, cost efficiency, and high quality.
