Determining How Faster Machining Means More Business for You

What is High-Speed Machining?
High-speed machining is much more than just a faster spindle. It is a process that combines high spindle speeds and high feed rates to achieve a very high metal removal rate with lighter passes. It may seem counter-intuitive to remove less material, but great savings in cycle time, tool retention, and energy costs are all resulting benefits. In general, faster machining means more business, but it is important to gauge all the contributing factors in choosing to move into HSM for your operation.
The material being milled, the tool and spindle, and the whole machine must be equipped to tolerate high-speed production, as well as the software to run it. Some minor changes on existing equipment can improve production efficiency, but understanding all the parameters for your operation can make the investment in the right equipment increase efficiencies by over double, and expand your capacity for new contracts.

The Growth of High-Speed Machining
The idea of high-speed manufacturing was developed in the early 1900s when it was discovered that, for a specific workpiece metal, the heat generated peaked at a certain critical spindle speed. The higher speed/lower removal rate was originally used to make molds that had intricate core and cavity geometries.
New CAD/CAM software design technology and multi-axis machining have gradually changed the approach to machining from removing large chunks of material in a set straight path to multi-directional movements that remove small bits of material in rapid, successive runs. Programming, CNC machines, and tools are all challenging one another as they develop faster and faster speeds.
Finish machining no longer needs the added step of EDM (Electrical Discharge Machine) to remove finite material pieces on hardened materials. Although effective, this process added another process and ran at slower speeds for accuracy. Always seeking more efficiencies, manufacturers are embracing this new approach and driving the evolution of HSM with their feedback. This quick review of all the components involved will help make the right choice for your operation.

Read More: https://www.rapidenterprises.ca/faster-machining/