More Standards; Less Awkward Moments - Dave suggests the powers that be create standards where none now exist

摘要

A tooling salesman was in my office last week with a brochure featuring milling tools and inserts. He pointed out that his company's cutter bodies were more expensive than the competition, but due to advanced manufacturing techniques, better materials, and other factors, his tools would outperform and outlast the competition. I was intrigued. I'd seen cutters come through my office with pockets that were worn out or worse. These bodies, superior as they may be, require the use of his company's inserts, and won't fit any other type. I have drawers full of other brands of cutters and inserts, and I set a goal to reduce my inventory, not add to it. This is where the conversation got awkward. It is time the tooling manufacturers standardize indexable milling tools. Tool companies have set standards for turning tools for years. According to the Cemented Carbide Producers Association - www.ccpa.org - the standard for turning inserts was developed in 1982, and updated in 1991, under ANSI Standard B212.12-1991. This 83-page document defines insert shapes and dimensions, as well as a common nomenclature. Seco Tools, Sandvik Coromant, Greenleaf, Kennametal, and Valenite, were some business entities that took part in the standard development, as well as associations, "such as the Association for Manufacturing Technology. Since this baseline was developed for turning standards, many companies now make not only carbide inserts, but also toolholders. This commonality lets us choose in a competitive marketplace that drives value and innovation.