Yeovil-based YMT Ltd (
www.ymtltd.co.uk) is now the exclusive UK and Eire agent for the entire range of Alfa-Sys products for the assembly and pre-setting of cutting tools (manufactured in Liechtenstein).
The range starts with the Alfa-Clamp unit for the assembly of tool-holders, cutting-tool bodies and indexable inserts. This can be specified with 90 or 45deg locking points; it is secured to a bench or work surface to provide a stable tooling assembly station. Quick-change holders are matched with commonly available spindle tapers that include BT/CAT, Capto, HSK-A, VDI and KM.
Once assembled, the cutting tool can be pre-set using one of the Alfa-Set pre-setters; these can be bench-top or free-standing and feature contact-free vision systems to measure the exact location of each insert, as well as the tip geometry. A TFT touch-screen provides measurement options, feedback and graphical confirmation.
The Alfa-Set 33- and 35-Swift bench-top units can measure tools up to 250mm in diameter x 380mm long or 500mm long respectively.
The 6in touch-screen has fixed and floating cross-hairs for automated measurements. All edge-profile data points, including any radii and angles, are measured and indicated within 1sec.
Measuring programs for radius, angle and distance can be loaded, and up to 99 reference zero points can be set.
The free-standing Alfa-Set 23/44/64 units can measure a range of tool assemblies up to 600mm in diameter and up to 900mm long.
A high-resolution CMOS camera with an image-processing system is fitted as standard, with colour reflected-light imaging used for automatic contour recognition and inspection of the cutting edges.
Additional functionality can be specified with options for increased magnification, as well as measuring programs for the non-contact checking of fluted cutting tools.
An additional X-axis camera with LED incident lighting can also be added to automate the measurement of the centre height on turning tools. To measure helical angle, wear, spacing and other axial and radial geometric data, a second swivelling camera with incident lighting can be incorporated.
A further option is a cleaner that removes dried emulsion, cutting oils and other debris from the spindle contact surfaces with purpose-designed brushes.