A new tooling solution from Sandvik Coromant has been designed to boost the utilisation of turning machines and turret-based multi-task machine tools fitted with driven tool-holders.
Part of the CoroPlus digital machining offer, the Coromant Capto DTH Plus solution minimises down-time due to breakages by alerting an operator of the need to service an individual driven tool-holder.
The company says this capability enables manufacturers to achieve maximum machine tool productivity through predictive maintenance, as well as offering fast tool changes in applications using driven tools.
Sandvik Coromant has introduced this new product to solve the problem of judging the optimum time to service the equipment while avoiding the likelihood of tool-holder breakage.
Developed to complement the Coromant Capto quick-change tooling concept, the new driven tool-holder solution uses sensors to gather data (and transmits it via Bluetooth), making predictive maintenance possible; and because the driven tool-holders are equipped with a Coromant Capto coupling, operators can make use of an extensive range of high-performance cutting tools.
The software application included in the new system gives operators real-time information (such as the vibration level of the holder) that makes live monitoring of the spindle possible, while also monitoring the temperature within the tool-holder.
Other data delivered through the sensors includes the speed and direction of rotation (minimising the chances of exceeding the driven tool-holder’s limits), plus current and historical information about a particular tool.
Also provided is data on the location of a driven tool-holder, including the specific factory, machine name, turret and station number.
Further details can be found at the Web site (
www.sandvik.coromant.com/en-gb/products/coromant_capto/pages/coromant-capto-plus.aspx).