TOOL MODIFICATION
MODIFICATION OF IN-STOCK TOOLS IN AS LITTLE AS 48 HOURS
INTRODUCTION TO OUR PROGRAM
In most cases, we will have an in-stock tool capable of meeting your manufacturing requirements. Often, what many manufacturers with less product depth would consider a special tool, can be created by modifying an in-stock tool to fit your specifications. Our expert engineers will assess each modification request and provide the optimal solution. If deemed a special is necessary to fulfill your requirements, you will be promptly advised. Most special quotes, regardless of the necessary steps to fulfill your request, can be quoted within 1 business day and will include price and delivery. Modifications ensure faster delivery of your tool (subject to availability), decrease costs and ship within 2-3 business days. Please allow additional time for coatings.
We can modify tools to include corner radii, ball end, corner chamfer, weldon flats, wiper flats, coolant grooves, whistle notches, LOC & OAL adjustments, cutting diameter adjustments, neck lengthening, and coatings. Several modifications can be made to the same tool, effectively creating a complete custom tool, without the price and lead time issues. However, there are certain multiple mods that can conflict and are impossible. For instance, a corner chamfer cannot be added with a corner radius. All modified tools may not be returned.
PERFORMANCE & TOLERANCE
Modifications may potentially affect tool performance. Each of the following tables will outline tolerances and dimensions for modified tools only and should not be referenced for our standard tools.
END MODIFICATIONS
CUSTOM ENDS FOR FINISHING APPLICATIONS
Most of our tool lines have standard and optional end configurations to suit traditionally engineered parts. Occasionally, it’s necessary to modify a standard tool, add a ball end, corner chamfer or custom sized corner radius. If modifying a tool with a coating, the corners and/or end of the tool may no longer be completely coated, degrading the quality of the tool and its performance. We recommend having the coating reapplied to maximize the performance, value, and life of the tool.
SHANK MODIFICATIONS
IMPROVED HOLDING POWER AND REACH
Our tools are precision manufactured to exceed H6 shrink fit specifications, whether high-speed steel, powdered metal or carbide. HSS and PM tooling comes standard with single or double weldon flats, multiple carbide tools have standard weldon flat options, and all can be modified as needed. Many users add hand ground flats themselves, which can result in increased tool runout, decreased productivity, decreased finish and alignment issues. By adding manufacturer ground flats, you ensure minimized runout, parallelism with the centerline of the tool and consistency.
FLUTE MODIFICATIONS
PERFORMANCE AND OPERATION ENHANCEMENTS
Modifying a tool with a coating, or adjusting the cutter diameter, shortens the flute depth and lessens the radial rake, which removes the coating from already coated tools. We recommend building a custom tool for quantities greater than 3, unless the diameter adjustment is less than 7.5% of the tool’s original diameter. Similarly, when adding chip breakers to a tool, the tool should be re-coated to avoid build-up edge in the breaks, increased horsepower requirements and to reduce the likelihood of breakage.
LENGTH MODIFICATIONS
GEOMETRY IMPROVEMENTS FOR MAXIMUM STABILITY
If modifying a tool with a coating, the tool will no longer be coated, degrading the quality of the tool and its performance. We recommend having the coating reapplied to maximize the performance, value and life of the tool.
SPECIALTY MODIFICATIONS
ANGLE AND TIP ALTERATIONS FOR CRITICAL TOLERANCES
While we pride ourselves on the widest selection of tapered end mills and specialty cutting tools available, machining requirements sometimes call for a non-standard angle. Using our state-of-the-art machines we can increase or decrease the taper of an existing tool, producing a tool that is completely new. This is primarily cost-effective when modifying smaller quantities of tools or when lead time is critical.