HORN TO DISTRIBUTE GRAF TOOLING SYSTEM
Wednesday, 08/03/2011
Thru-tool coolant for sliding head lathes
Horn Cutting Tools Ltd., Ringwood, is adding the Graf range of tooling for sliding head, single spindle and multi-spindle auto applications to its product portfolio. Ernst Graf GmbH is based in the same area of Germany as Paul Horn GmbH, and noted for its development of tooling and retrofit pumping systems specially developed for machining applications using through-tool pressurised coolant.
“The Graf tooling significantly expands our capability to supply tooling solutions for these classes of machine,” comments Mike Green, Horn’s UK general manager. “We have offered a limited range of Horn tooling for sliding head machines for some time. However, the Graf system provides a much broader general capability, whilst through-tool coolant delivery offers the next step forward for quality, productivity and manufacturing economy on this type of machine.”
The range of standard tooling available is extensive. As well as high performance general purpose tooling for automatic lathes there is a similarly wide range of round shank tooling and back working tooling as well as circular part-off tools and disk cutting off tools.
A key feature of the back working tools is the facility for mounting with the insert facing up or down while retaining precise screw adjustment of centre height. The system is modular with basic holders available to suit most proprietary specifications as well as VDI standard clamping arrangements.
Toolholders for all types of tool are available with or without through tool coolant arrangements. For those with coolant the internal galleries are configured to supply coolant as close to the cutting edge as possible so as to maximise the benefit. Holders developed for use with Horn SuperMini® , for instance have the outlet aligned with the coolant hole passing through the insert whilst blade-type tools have coolant emerging from multiple jets just behind the insert.
Insert types depend on the application though in recent years Graf and Horn have co-operated closely on tool development. Mike Green concluded. “The Graf approach to tooling development has much in common with Horn in that both systems are developed to provide the end user with the highest quality solution for machining capability. We anticipate that Graf will be an important addition to the range of tooling that we currently supply.”