Fintek
Surface finishing specialist Fintek has invested in a new Bruker Alicona EdgeMaster. The EdgeMaster is an automatic metrology system for cutting tools, and is supplied and supported by Optimax Imaging Inspection & Measurement Ltd in the United Kingdom.
Fintek says the efficiency and life of cutting tools is vastly improved by accurate edge preparation. Tool condition also directly affects the surface finish of a machined area and the need for additional post-processing to meet the required end product quality. Therefore, precise edge measurements are vital before and after surface finishing and edge rounding.
Fintek General Manager Jamie Phillips said: “Our previous system for measuring tool edges was straining to keep pace with high demand and current work flows. The EdgeMaster gives us faster measurement of cutting tool edges with increased accuracy. Having previously worked with Optimax, we know that the EdgeMaster comes with great support.”
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“Cutting tool manufacturers go to great lengths to design and make their products effective for specific materials and workpieces. Drilling holes, for example, in composites, aluminium, steel, hard or soft plastics all require cutting tools with different characteristics. With the EdgeMaster we can rapidly and accurately measure a tool before edge preparation. Using the data we then select the best combination of OTEC finishing machine, process media and process parameters to achieve the target edge profile and finish. After post-processing we quickly measure again to provide verification and traceability to customers. This is all documented in the Alicona software,” added Fintek Production Manager, Jason Hornby.
The EdgeMaster precisely measures edge radii less than 2µm as well as rake, wedge and clearance angle for different types of tools, including waterfall and trumpet, inserts, milling cutters and more according to Bruker Alicona. The accuracy of measurements are not affected by vibrations, temperature, or ambient light.