When to Replace Your High-Speed Steel Tools: Key Indicators
HSS tools are
unanimously used in precision cutting applications. These steel grades display
a set of specific properties that make them extremely suitable for high-speed
environments. These include improved wear resistance over time along with the
ability to undertake thermal load. A significant amount of heat is generated at
the point of contact between metal and metal. By deploying various methods, the
facility manager can improve tool longevity.
These methods
include the application of the cutting fluid, proper alignment of the tool,
removal of chips, prevention of deflection, and so on. However, despite these
methods, a high-speed steel tool eventually comes to the end of its life cycle
and must be replaced. You need to look at the different indicators mentioned
here to decide on the replacement. Discussing your priorities with a highspeed steel supplier should give you sufficient insights on the right steel
grade and the optimum tool life that you can expect.
- Decreased
Performance Levels: When the decline in performance becomes too noticeable to ignore,
you should seriously consider replacing the HSS tool. Key indicators of
performance fallbacks include decreased cutting accuracy and increased
cutting force. Also, a slower machining speed is an easy indicator that
your tool setup needs an upgrade.
Since the cutting tool becomes dull over time, it
would inevitably require more force to accomplish the task. This eventually
leads to more energy consumption and is detrimental to the budget. Also, other
related machine components must withstand the stress, eventually leading to a
decreased life span. Replacing the existing steel tool should be a wise
decision, given these key considerations.
2. Poor workpiece quality: The
deterioration of the toolset also leads to poor workpiece quality, especially
the surface finish. Defects in the final product, such as burn marks and
chipping, can lead to more wastage. With these imperfections, secondary
operations such as polishing and grinding may be required, which is
time-consuming. It also puts a strain on the budget, increasing the overall
production cost. When the reputation of your workshop is on the line, you need
to make sure that the tool applied is upgraded regularly!
3.
Issues with tool
geometry: Tool geometry
is a key aspect of precision work. Ideally, the central shaft of the tool
should be aligned with the central axis of the apparatus. A properly balanced
tool can cut without deflection, making it an ideal application. However, with
the deterioration of the tool geometry, the apparatus has to struggle with the
perfect geometry, which can negatively affect the production process.
4. Increased tool breakage: Much-used
high-speed tools may suffer chipping or breakage, making them inadequate for
the precision-tooling process. Replacing the damaged tool as soon as possible
ensures that the workpieces are unaffected and that the production line
continues to operate without disruptions.
Your Preferance
Considering
these key aspects, you should contact a preferred high speed steel supplier.
The right supplier should be able to offer you various options to use in the
factory settings so that you can eventually decide on the steel grade required
for the process. With a stable supplier, you always have the assurance of
maintaining your budget while maintaining an efficient production line.
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