Although new cutting materials, new chip grooves and in some cases new tool systems have been invented time and again to optimize the turning process, the actual turning process has basically remained unchanged. Even today, a contour is still produced with an indexable insert at a fixed angle to the workpiece, although the number of controllable axes in modern turn-mill centers has changed. The company has taken advantage of the system of these turn-mill centers and developed High Dynamic Turning. The idea behind HDT: simply position and adjust the tool in the machine in a completely different way to conventional turning.

Use of the milling spindle for 360° degree of freedom

Instead of the classic, static positioning of the insert by the clamping holder, the milling spindle is now used to create the corresponding angle to the workpiece. By using the spindle drive in conjunction with the slim, axial tool design of the free-turn tools, a degree of freedom of 360° is created without the risk of collision. Rotation around its own tool axis means that the cutting edge can be changed without interrupting the machining process. The approach angle is also freely variable and can be changed during machining. This offers flexibility in the workpiece contour, optimized chip breaking, higher feed rates and an increase in tool life. Depending on the machine options, the technology can be used functionally in all planes. By incorporating the milling spindle on turn-mill centers, the Y/Z-plane approach is widely used, allowing machining from above and below, for example. Depending on the machine room and workpiece size, this freedom can be an important criterion.

Indexable insert with several features

For High Dynamic Turning, static turning tools will be replaced by dynamic ones in the future. One such dynamic tool is the Free Turn. The tool holder and the slim shank, which directs the force into the spindle thanks to the axial concept, form a stable unit. A multi-sided indexable insert is located on the front, which is simply screwed on. The highlight: The patent-pending free-turn indexable insert can consist of several cutting edges with different properties. For example, different point angles, corner radii or chip grooves - even different coatings and cutting materials are possible. This means that the tool can be adapted to the machining process and replace several tools. This in turn leads to savings in tool change times, tool magazine locations and tools themselves. Another feature is that components with highly complex contours can be produced without restriction using just one free-turn tool.

Ceratizit was recognized for its HDT technology at Intec 2019.