Selecting the Right Metal Cutting Tools is Now Easier

8 Mar 11

Productivity and profitability for machining a part is dependent on the machine type, cutting tool, cutting conditions and the interaction between them.

In most cases the machines on the production floor and cutting tools should be matched and suitable for the parts that are being machined. The process of choosing the optimal tools is critical and can significantly affect productivity.

It is almost impossible to manually select the optimal solution out of the many alternative options. This is especially true when we have to consider parameters such as number of passes, speed, feed, power, metal removal rate and cutting time for each option. Such an important process of tool selection has to be made scientifically based on objective and empirical technical grounds rather than any conventional intuitive way.  For this reason, ISCAR developed the ISCAR Tool Advisor (ITA).

ITA is a user-friendly web based software that is constructed upon a unique mathematical algorithm. This algorithm provides an effective process of narrowing down all possible alternatives, taking into account cutting conditions, machine power, metal removal rate and cutting time.

The advantage of using ITA compared with a conventional process was proven unequivocally after comparing experts’ tool selections for given applications with the results achieved by ITA. Even for a simple application –  such as milling a 90 degree shoulder of  low alloy steel, 10 mm height and 10 mm width –  tools selected by ITA delivered 100% more productivity compared to manual tool selection.

ITA’s Special Features

Input Options:

• Fast search – Enter only a few mandatory fields (2-6 depending on application type) for quick results.
• Fields for detailed requirements.
• Specify parameters such as tool diameter, tool type, grade, etc.
• Define machine parameters such as power and RPM.

Output Features:

• ITA displays up to 3 tool recommendations for the required application. Results include tool details, insert details, cutting conditions, power, metal removal rate and cutting time.
• Link to the electronic catalog for each specific tool and insert.
• Link to pictures of each tool and insert.
• Link to a video for each brand name.
• Link to 2D and 3D drawings for tools and inserts.
• Possibility to display up to 25 tool recommendations per application search, with sorting and filtering options.

Peripheral Features:

• Technical support: Built-in with a direct connection to ITA support team.
• Email: Sends a pdf file that includes the input and output for each application search.
• Link to software for power calculations.
• Supports 25 languages.
• Metric and inch.

The ITA software is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can immediately take advantage of optimizing your production and raising your productivity by clicking directly into the ITA on ISCAR's website: www.iscar.com/ITA.

The ITA application can also be uploaded and used on any iPhone or iPod Touch, making all of ISCAR’s technical information available and accessible to any user via the internet, Wi-Fi or mobile connection.

www.iscar.com/ITA