Floyd shows good form with Schwanog turning system

The machining of complex forms can be a significant challenge for manufacturers, especially if the batch size is considerable. Luckily, Floyd Automatic Tooling can now provide precise form tools for even the most challenging of material types with the Schwanog range of form tool solutions.

When establishing complex forms, productivity and precision are of paramount importance. Nowhere is this more of a challenge than the machining of hard materials. Now, Schwanog and Floyd Automatic offer the perfect solution with special form tools and form ‘cut-off’ tools that guarantee the smooth transition of contours, high precision, surface finishes and component quality.

It can be difficult to manufacture more complex forms on the ‘cut-off’ side of a part using a standard ‘cut-off’ tool and this is where a Schwanog form tool comes into its own, ensuring a smooth contour transition. Simultaneously, at the start of the next part, forms or corner breaks can be added. This results in a reliable tool with significant cycle-time savings.

Of course, the key requirement for success is the use of a twin-spindle turning centre. However, with a twin-spindle turning centre and Schwanog form tools, more complex forms can be manufactured process-safe with significant time savings due to the adding of forms or corner breaks at the start of the next component.

There is a wide scope for the Schwanog form tools which extends far beyond just ‘cut-off’ tools. The series is suitable for external and internal turning, grooving more. Regarding external turning, grooving has emerged as a more-efficient solution compared to single-point turning for almost all machine types in numerous industries.

Perfect solution
Floyd now offers various systems that are the perfect solution, as the Schwanog tools are individually manufactured to customer drawings. This makes the system available for various cutting widths and machine types. For example, the Schwanog system can be created with OD grooving tools, OD grooving tools for Escomatic and rotary transfer machines, shaving tools, skiving tools, modular MSIK systems and DCI Swiss-type grooving systems.

Depending on the contour, internal turning and grooving of parts can also be complex and very challenging. Compared to OD grooving, rigidity, coolant and chip removal play a more significant role. With five different tooling systems for ID machining, Schwanog offers the perfect, cost-effective solution for almost any application, regardless of whether it is radial or axial internal turning or grooving.

The form tool line also incorporates form drilling which is one of the most frequently applied operations when machining precision small parts. The Schwanog form drills with exchangeable inserts are recommended wherever drilling tolerances are below ±0.02mm and there is no need for adjustment during tool changes and the exchangeable insert is significantly more cost-effective than solid carbide form drills. If tighter tolerances or greater drilling depths are required, Floyd Automatic can offer Schwanog solid carbide form drills that are individually ground to suit sizes, specifications and material types.

For the machining of threads, there are a variety of processes for different components, thread profiles and thread pitches. Each process offers individual advantages for specific working conditions – and Schwanog can cater for them all. Whether it is OD or ID thread whirling single-point turning of OD or ID threads, Floyd Automatic can deliver the solution. This also applies to form milling tools for the machining of serrations, grooves and specially milled forms. This is complemented by the ability to provide a comprehensive offering of broaching tools for gear, groove and the machining of special shapes.

The comprehensive range of tool and form options is supported by an unprecedented depth of toolholder designs. So, whether it is square shank toolholders for basic VDI toolholders, cartridges for WEP and PWP tooling systems or customer-specific solutions, Schwanog can manufacture the solution. For more than 75 years, the company has been developing and manufacturing special insert tools to meet the diverse requirements of the industry with a high degree of innovation. This innovation and creativity are applied to both insert design, suitable base bodies and toolholders.

With a high level of in-house vertical integration, Schwanog develops complex special tool solutions for a wide range of industry sectors and applications with internal and external coolant supply that is tailored to the requirements of the specific workpiece.