OTEC Drag Finishing Process Increases Tool Life and Improves Cutting Performance

It is widely known in the cutting tool industry that stabilizing the cutting edge of cutting and forming tools through some form of edge preparation can greatly enhance the performance of the tool and in most cases, increase the overall life of the tool. The OTEC DF Tool Series of drag finishing machines is quickly becoming the process of choice amongst tool manufacturers to effectively and efficiently accomplish this task.

In a drag finishing process, the tools are fixtured in special holders which allow the tools to be moved randomly through a tub of dry abrasive media. Using special rotating holders, the tools move through three degrees of rotation ensuring uniform treatment of all surface areas and edges, even with the most complex tool geometry. By controlling not only the speed but also the direction of rotation, different types of edge geometries can be achieved.

Laser sensors control the depth of immersion of the tools which in turn guarantee a repeatable process time after time. By offering different size of DF Tool machines, OTEC can process between 18 and 60 tools per cycle. With typical cycle times of 2 to 4 minutes, the OTEC DF Tool machine can easily meet the production needs of small to large tool manufacturers. And now, with its latest development, the DF 6 Automation, the loading and unloading of the tools can be done automatically by a robot, further increasing its productivity.

As a further benefit, through the use of a special polishing media, the DF Tool machine can be used to polish tools after the coating process for droplet removal. This polishing process in the flute area not only enhances the appearance of the tool but also helps to reduce edge build up which leads to lower operating temperatures and longer tool lives.