Tools for other Machine Types

1. Explanation of the term "tools for machines"
2. Types of tools available for machines
3. Composition of tools for machines
4. Working with tools for machines
5. Suppliers of tools for machines

Explanation of the term "tools for machines"

Tools for machines are those that work on cutting machines and all their associated accessories: everything that can bore, saw, mill, grind or polish. There are also special tools. There is a very large selection of tools available for machines.

Types of tools available for machines

• Tools used for cutting machines
• Tools for boring, milling, grinding or polishing
• Both the cutting implement and its receptacle combined create a tool for a machine

Tools for machines are primarily divided depending on what they are used for. The biggest category is milling tools. However, there is also a large variety of drilling and boring tools available. These differ from each other not only in terms of dimensions but also in their composition.

Composition of tools for machines

These tools are usually made out of two components: the actual cutting implement and its receptacle. Additionally, accessories and extensions can expand the tool. The receptacle of the tool depends on the machine. There are around 10 different basic types of receptacles or attachments. However, there is such a high level of competition between the different systems that several types have actually disappeared off the market in recent years, particularly the older SK-attachments.

Working with tools for machines

Tools made for machines are individually built for every type of milling process, which is undertaken by skilled cutting machine operators. Big companies have a separate department for work preparations. After the production of milling products, tools are taken aside and cleaned. Because there are high levels of wear and tear on milling and boring implements, they are monitored and fixed up, if needed. Hard metal tools are ground by qualified employees. These tools can be particularly sharp. Helical milling tools, used particularly for smooth surfaces, can cause cuts and injury, even when only lightly touched. Fiddling with these tools should therefore only be done with cut-resistant gloves.

Tools used for machines are commonly dirty due to cooling lubricants. This is particularly the case for the attachments of screw taps. Oil can enter the air when blowing on the workpiece. Therefore it is useful it wear breathing protection. Tools for machines are very expensive, and this is particularly the case for special tools, like rolling equipment. These forming tools can cost up to 10,000 euros. It is important to properly train staff so they gain awareness of how best to handle these tools.

Suppliers of tools for machines

Second hand milling and drilling tools can be used as long as there is nothing wrong with their characteristics and their wear limit has not yet been reached. Established manufactures of all kinds of hard metal tools are:

• DIMA
• DIEBOLD
• HAIMER
• HITACHI
• INGERSOLL
• SCHUNK