When you’re producing a precision machined part, it can be hard to decide which is the right live tool for manufacturing a workpiece. There’s no need to be overwhelmed, though. While there are many, many different options for selecting a live tool, there are also some steps you can follow to make your decision easier.
Know Your Machine
The first thing you should consider when choosing a live tool is what kind of machine this tool will be used with. This is more than just matching the brand of the tool and the brand of your machine, too. Certain live tools perform better in certain machines due to the physical location and number of the tool holders. You should absolutely make sure that a specific live tool has the right specs before selecting it for your job.
Know Your Drawings
Perhaps even more important than knowing your machine, if you want to select the right live tool for manufacturing a precision part, you need to have intimate knowledge of the part’s drawing. The drawing, also known more formally as a schematic, describes the exact specifications of the part. Machinists will then decide what operations the machine needs to perform in order to meet those specifications. The key to selecting the right live tools is knowing exactly what operations need to be performed, as specific tools are made for specific purposes. If you are unsure which tool you need for a job, it’s best to consult with the machinist who programs your CNCs, as they will know what they need to make the part.
Know Where to Get Advice
Sometimes a job is so complicated that even your machinist might not be sure about which live tool to use. This is when you need to call in the big guns to select the right live tool for manufacturing. Luckily, here at Swistek we have a wealth of experience and are always happy to offer guidance on choosing the right tool for the right part. You are always welcome to contact us with any questions about your live tooling options.