NEXT GENERATION TOOLING
  • Home
    • Schedule
    • Training
  • About
    • History
    • Contact
  • Territories
    • NorCal & N-NV
    • SoCal & S-NV
    • Mountains
  • Principals
    • Tooling >
      • 2V Industries
      • BIG Daishowa
      • Champion Storage
      • Drill America
      • Jewell Group
      • Mapal
      • Martindale Gaylee
      • OSG Tool
      • Performance Micro Tool
      • Platinum Tooling
      • TechniksUSA
    • Workholding >
      • BIG Daishowa
      • Earth Chain
      • Jergens
      • mPower Workholding
  • Promotions
  • Events
  • News
  • Technical

The Difference Between a Swiss Type CNC and a CNC Lathe & the Cutting Tools Used in Each

11/17/2021

3 Comments

 
​A Swiss type CNC automatic lathe and a CNC lathe, they are similar lathe machines, but did you know they are completely different?

In this article, the kind folks at NTK Cutting Tools will introduce the 4 differences between the cutting tools used based on the mechanical structure of Swiss CNC automatic lathes and CNC lathes.

What is the difference between a “Swiss CNC Automatic Lathe” and a “CNC lathe”?

Swiss CNC automatic lathe
  • Good at machining a large amount of parts from bar stock material. It is automatically continuously machined, like candy, until the material is exhausted.
  • Machining is performed by moving the cutting insert on the X axis and the workpiece on the Z axis.
  • Since the guide bushing supports the workpiece and machining is done near the guide bushing, which eliminates workpiece “vibrations” or “deflections”. Therefore, the machine is perfect for manufacturing thin and long workpieces. It is ideal for machining parts with tight tolerance requirements, such as motor parts.
  • The material diameters of as small as “φ1.0 mm” (.040 inch) can also be machined successfully.
CNC Lathe
  • The material is grasped one by one with a chuck and machined. The workpiece is installed and removed by a person or robot.
  • The cutting tool machines moves on the X axis and the Z axis.
  • Because it chucks according to the shape of the workpiece, the range of the parts that can be processed is wide.
  • It is possible to machine parts that have been shaped to some extent, such as after forging and casting materials.
Swiss CNC automatic lathe & CNC lathe: Since the machine structure, workpiece, and size are different, it is important to select the cutting tool accordingly. Now let's take a look at the features of cutting tools used in CNC automatic lathes.​

Difference 1. Holder

The holder is an important component for achieving chip performance. I will explain the difference between the holder used on a Swiss type CNC automatic lathe and a CNC lathe.​
Holders for Swiss CNC Automatic Lathe
Holders for Swiss CNC Automatic Lathe Diagram
Holders for Swiss CNC Automatic Lathe
  • Common shank sizes are: 8mm, 3/8″, 10mm, 12mm, 1/2″, 16mm, 5/8″, 20mm, and 3/4″ which are smaller than holders for a standard CNC lathe machines.
  • The screw clamp type is suitable for small holders and small inserts, due to its simple structure. Also, the insert clamping force is strong which ensures excellent cutting edge positioning accuracy. This is ideal for highproduction machining of precision parts.
  • The offset is often “0”, which is means the holder reference surface = cutting edge position.
CNC Lathe Holders
CNC Lathe Holders Diagram
CNC Lathe Holders
  • Common shank sizes are: 25mm, 1 inch, 1.25 inch, 1.5 inch, 32mm, and 2 inch.
  • There are many insert clamping methods, depending on the insert geometry.
  • When using a negative insert, the holder has a horizontal rake angle and a front rake angle.

Difference 2. Insert geometry: Positive inserts and Negative inserts

​CNMG... DNMG...: If you are familiar with machining on CNC lathes, you likely know about insert geometries. The Swiss type CNC automatic lathe is the same type of lathe, but if you are thinking of machining with the same insert, be careful!

Inserts such as "CNMG /CNGA..." and "DNMG/DNGA ..." used on CNC lathes have many corners, and the cutting edge is honed or chamfered (edge preparation) and have excellent cutting edge strength. These inserts are ideal for shearing the workpiece material.

​On the other hand, when a negative insert such as "CNMG/CNGA..." is used on a Swiss type CNC automatic lathe, cutting resistance tends to be high and "chatter" and "work deflection" occur. We recommend using a "positive style" for Swiss CNC automatic lathes.
Swiss-type CNC automatic lathes machine workpieces that are smaller in diameter and require higher precision than machining on a CNC lathes. High cutting resistance causes “vibration” and “dimensional defects”, so using a “positive insert” with a relief angle to reduce cutting resistance and achieve stable machining.
Cutting Force is lower when there is clearance between the insert and the workpiec
As shown above, the larger the clearance angle (relief), the smaller the area where the tool touches the workpiece. This reduces cutting resistance.
b

Difference 3. Insert tolerance: G-class and M-class

The ISO insert designation includes a tolerance class. I will discuss the difference in insert tolerance classes for Swiss type CNC automatic lathes and CNC lathes
The ISO insert designation includes a tolerance class. I will discuss the difference in insert tolerance classes for Swiss type CNC automatic lathes and CNC lathes.
The table above compares the “M” class commonly used on CNC lathes with the “G” class and “E” class commonly used on Swiss SNS automatic lathes. The 3rd letter in the insert part description identifies the tolerance class. Insert such as CNMG… and DNMG… have an M class tolerance. On the other hand, inserts such as DCGT… and CCGT… have a G-class tolerance.

As shown in the table, the insert tolerance is very different between the “G” and “M” class. Corner length (m) and insert IC (dia. D1) tolerance affect the accuracy of the cutting edge position, or workpiece dimensions. Thickness tolerance (S1) affects the height of the cutting edge.

Swiss-type CNC automatic lathes require high precision machining of small diameter workpieces, so “G-class” or “E-class” with higher tolerance than M-class are used. Also, the upper and lower insert surfaces of G-class and E-class inserts are polished and the outer edges are ground with high accuracy which achieves excellent sharpness.
​
For Swiss CNC automatic lathes, it is strongly recommended to use inserts with “G-grade” and “E-class” tolerances.
M Class vs E G Class Carbide Inse

Difference 4. Coatings types: PVD vs. CVD

Coating is an important factor in determining the performance of tools and the quality of workpieces. There are two main types of coatings - CVD and PVD. Which coating is suitable for Swiss CNC automatic lathes?
Carbide insert coating PVD vs CVD
Inserts like “CNMG” and “DNMG” used on CNC lathes are generally CVD coated. CVD coatings can be thick films compared to PVD coatings and have excellent abrasion resistance.

​But, because it is a thick film coating, it is easy to cause deterioration and there is a disadvantage of a rough coating surface.

Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe machining requires high precision, sharpness is important, so PVD coatings are more suitable due to thin film coatings achieving sharp edges.

As shown in the figure above, PVD coatings have excellent sharpness, dimensional stability, and welding resistance making it the ideal coating style for Siwss-type CNC automatic lathes.
Do you still have questions about the difference between tooling used for a Swiss type CNC lathe and traditional CNC lathe?

NTK offers a large lineup of tools specialized for CNC automatic lathes. If you are having issues machining, please consider contacting us for technical advise.
Contact NGT
3 Comments

Tech Tips for Machining Hardened Materials with Ceramic and CeramiX

1/12/2021

14 Comments

 
Machining Hardened Materials with Ceramic
Here are some simple quick tips when you are machining machining hard materials. 
  • As material hardness goes up the SFM goes down.
  • Use the strongest possible insert shape to maximize insert strength.
  • Ceramic is a hard material therefore, the insert needs some edge preparation in order to withstand cutting forces and optimize performance.
  • Utilize positive geometries for close tolerances or thin-walled parts.
  • If multiple passes are required with one edge, vary the DOC to move the wear on the insert edge and improve tool life.
  • If you encounter chatter, increase your feed rate. Heavy chatter is often a sign of the tooling being above centerline or there is too much toolholder overhang. The machine, part and tooling set-up must be rigid.
When you're considering inserts from NTK Cutting Tools for hard turning, take a look at the grades and styles.
  1.  Light edge preps T styles ( T-land:  T0425  & T0525)
  2.  Heavy edge preps:  Z and S style ( T-land and honed edge: Z0820, Z0825, S0820, S0825) or  J, P, and Q style (Double Chamfered and Honed edge: P4815,  P8015, Q8015)
NTK hard Turning SFM Speed chart based upon material hardness
Hard Turning Speed SFM chart based upon a material's Shore Hardness.. As the hardness increases the SFM decreases.
Hard Turning IPR Feed Rate based upon ceramic insert nose radius and DOC
Some good rules of thumb for Hard Turning: The IPR Feed Rate is based upon ceramic insert nose radius and Depth of Cut (DOC)
Hard Turning SFM IPR chart Speed Feed
Best choice of ceramic insert grades for use in hard turning from NTK
14 Comments

Tough, Precise, and Fast —Carmex HBA carbide grade is available today for tomorrow’s materials

10/21/2020

0 Comments

 
Carmex HBA Carbide Hard Threading inconcel titanium
As more applications require the use of super-hard alloys, manufacturers are demanding tooling that can deliver precision threads and high production in less time.

To meet these challenges, Carmex Precision Tools Ltd. has engineered carbide grade HBA — an extra-fine, submicron grade with high toughness for optimized performance on hardened steel Titanium and super alloys including Hastelloy, Inconel and Nickel base alloys up to 62 HRc.

Available for internal and external threading in both 60° and 55° partial profile, as well as ISO metric and UN, HBA delivers high wear and heat resistance and excellent edge stability. The unique combination of carbide substrate, coating type and edge conditions provide superior performance over extended tool life.

Case Study in Threading D2 at 53-56HRc

16 ER 1.5 ISO HBA
16mm (3/8" I.C.) LAYDOWN INSERT FOR ISO (METRIC) EXT-RH THREAD; PITCH: 01.50mm; GRADE: HBA
In a recent test involving an external right-hand thread:
  • Thread: M32x1.5 and a length of 65mm (2.56")
  • Material: D2 hardened steel @ 53-56 HRc,
  • Insert: 16 ER 1.5 ISO grade HBA
  • Results: Operated at 1772 IPM (45 m/min) at 28 passes produced 36 threads per corner.

Hard machining is increasingly becoming the rule rather than the exception in complex part production. Carmex HBA was engineered to meet the challenges inherent in threading hard materials while delivering high production and longer tool life. 

Bring us your most challenging hard threading applications and lets try  the new Carmex HBA engineered performance carbide .
0 Comments

The Ultimate Ceramic Grade for Finishing Hardened Materials: "NTK CeramiX" HX5

7/15/2020

0 Comments

 
NTK CeramiX HX5 replaces CBN
NTK HX5 CeramiX Wear Comparison to CBN competitors
NTK developed this latest game changing ceramic material NTK CeramiX HX5 to replace CBN. As a ceramic cutting tool specialist, NTK has been researching new advancements for ceramics in the industry for decades.

They recently introduced a new grade that matches CBN on performance.
The new CeramiX "HX5" grade provides a cost saving solution for hard turning applications.  It's designed for Hard Turning with continuous cut in the Hardness range of 55 to 66HRc
NTK HX5 CeramiX Wear Comparison to CBN Chart
NTK HX5 CeramiX Wear Comparison to Competitors CBN. This chart corresponds to the photos above.
  • NTK CeramiX is an advanced ceramic material achieving the performance to compete with CBN.
  • New TiAlN coating offers excellent wear resistance for hard turning.
  • In continuous machining materials with a hardness of 55 to 65 HRC, HX5 matches the performance of CBN

0 Comments

    Technical Support Blog

    At Next Generation Tool we often run into many of the same technical questions from different customers. This section should answer many of your most common questions.

    We set up this special blog for the most commonly asked questions and machinist data tables for your easy reference.

    If you've got a question that's not answered here, then just send us a quick note via email or reach one of us on our CONTACTS page here on the website
    email us

    Authorship

    Our technical section is written by several different people. Sometimes, it's from our team here at Next Generation Tooling & at other times it's by one of the innovative manufacturer's we represent in California and Nevada.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    September 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    November 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013
    March 2013
    December 2012
    March 2012
    November 2011
    May 2011
    March 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010

    Categories

    All
    5th Axis
    Aerospace
    Allied Machine
    Aluminum Oxide
    Angle Head
    AT3
    Balance
    Bellmouthed Hole
    Big Daishowa
    Big EWA Automatic Boring
    Big Kaiser
    BIG Plus
    Blue Photon
    Bone Screws
    Boring Tool
    Carbide
    Carmex Precision
    CBN
    Centerline Deviation
    Ceramic Black
    Ceramic End Mill
    Ceramic Inserts
    Ceramic Oxide
    Ceramic Whiskered
    Ceramic White
    Chamfer
    Champion Tool Storage
    Chip Breaking
    Circular Saw
    Class Of Fit
    CNC Lathe Tooling
    Collet
    Collet Chuck
    Collet ER
    Composites
    Covid-19
    Deep Hole Boring
    Deep Hole Drilling
    Drilling
    Dual Contact
    Dyna Contact Gage
    Dyna Force Tool
    Dyna Test Bar
    EMO
    End Mill
    Exotap
    Facemill
    Fixturing
    Fretting
    Gaylee Saw
    Hard Turning
    Heimatec
    Helical Interpolation
    Hohl Shaft Kegel
    How Its Made
    HSK A
    HSK-A
    HSK E
    HSK-E
    HSK F
    HSK-F
    HXL Tap
    Hy Pro Tap
    Hy-Pro Tap
    IMTS
    Jergens
    Kurt
    Lang
    Live Tooling
    MA Ford
    Maintenance Cart
    Mapal
    Martindale Saw
    Material: Aluminum
    Material: CFRP
    Material: D2
    Material: Hastelloy
    Material: Inconel
    Material: Peek
    Material: Stone
    Material Titanium
    Material: VC-10
    Metric Course Thread
    Metric Fine Thread
    Metric Thread Chart
    Microconic
    Micromachining
    ModLoc
    Modular
    Mogul Bars
    MPower
    No Go Too Loose
    NTK
    NTK HX5
    On Site Training
    OptiMill-SPM
    OSG Tap & Die
    Oversized Thread
    Parlec
    PCD
    PCT Firm Hold
    Platinum Tooling
    Projection Length
    Pull Studs
    Reamer
    Retention Knob
    Rotary Toolholders
    Rotary Toolholders BT
    Rotary Toolholders CAT
    Rotary Toolholders HSK
    Rotary Toolholders Hydraulic
    Rotary Toolholders Shrink
    Rough Thread
    Runout
    Runout Axial
    Runout Radial
    Saw Selection
    Short Tap Life
    Sialons
    Silicon Nitride
    Smart Damper
    Speed Increaser
    SpeedLoc
    Speroni STP Essntia
    Spindle Mouth Wear
    Swiss
    Swiss Machining
    Taper Wear
    Tapping Feed
    Tapping; Form
    Tapping IPM
    Tapping: Roll
    Tapping RPM
    Tapping Speed
    Tap Tolerance
    Technical Training
    Technicrafts
    Techniks USA
    Thread Milling
    Thread Whirling
    T.I.R.
    Tolerance
    Toolchanger Alignment
    Toolholder Taper
    Tool Presetter
    Torn Thread
    Troubleshooting
    UNC Thread Size
    Undersized Thread
    UNF Thread Size
    Unilock
    Vises
    Workholding

    RSS Feed

Picture

About
Contact
TOOLING
WORKHOLDING
EVENTS
NEWS
TECHNICAL


Established 1995
​

Next Generation Tooling
10240 Cavalletti Drive
Sacramento CA 95829
916.765.4227
Northern California
23 Maxwell Street
Suite B
Lodi, CA 95240
Southern California
22343 La Palma Avenue
​Suite 126
Yorba Linda, CA 92887
© 2023 Next Generation Tooling, LLC. 
All Rights Reserved
Created by Rapid Production Marketing

Find us on Instagram @nextgentool

  • Home
    • Schedule
    • Training
  • About
    • History
    • Contact
  • Territories
    • NorCal & N-NV
    • SoCal & S-NV
    • Mountains
  • Principals
    • Tooling >
      • 2V Industries
      • BIG Daishowa
      • Champion Storage
      • Drill America
      • Jewell Group
      • Mapal
      • Martindale Gaylee
      • OSG Tool
      • Performance Micro Tool
      • Platinum Tooling
      • TechniksUSA
    • Workholding >
      • BIG Daishowa
      • Earth Chain
      • Jergens
      • mPower Workholding
  • Promotions
  • Events
  • News
  • Technical