It doesn’t matter if your shop produces parts for automobiles, aircraft, or appliances, there are certain tools that are so critical to everyday operation, they should be within reach of every skilled machine operator.
What’s better, thanks to custom tool makers, many of those implements can be made specific to your application, no matter how niche. Keep reading to learn about the top four custom tools every machine shop needs in their arsenal.
1. MULTI-DIAMETER FORM TOOL
It used to be that if you wanted to machine two or more different diameters in the same cavity, you needed to use two separate tools. Well, not anymore! With a multi-diameter form tool, you can significantly cut down on your cycle time by combining multiple tools in one.
By adding radii or chamfers at intersection points, you can even eliminate sharp edges on your finished part. This reduces the amount of deburring required, which will decrease your total cost per part. Visit our Multi-Diameter Form Tool page to learn more.
2. CUSTOM FORM CUTTER
Do you want the ability to machine complex surface features with just one tool? If so, a custom form tool is exactly what you need. These form cutters are perfect for features that cannot be machined using standard tools, making them ideal for any custom shop.
Complex, difficult-to-measure profiles can be built right into the tool, with a carbide-tipped edge for increased durability and a higher quality surface finish. Visit our Custom Carbide Tipped Tools page to learn more about how we can help design and build a tool to meet your exact specifications.
3. COOLANT THROUGH GROOVE CUTTER
There’s nothing more annoying than machining a tight groove only to have metal chips become lodged in the groove, halting all progress. In many cases, a conventional cooling fluid can be directed toward the cutting edge, but with grooves or deep holes where flanking material can obstruct the cutting zone, that’s not an option. This is where a custom, solid-carbide coolant-through-groove cutter comes in.
These incredible tools feature an internal coolant channel that allows the user to feed the fluid directly into the cutting edge, no matter how inaccessible it may be. This helps reduce friction, remove excess material, and extend the overall life of the tool. Visit our Coolant Through Groove Tool page to learn more.
4. GEAR FORM CUTTER
Whether you’re creating parts for small engines, transmissions, or complex conveyor systems, there’s a good chance you’ll need to match spur gears with a very specific geometry. The good news is that with a milling machine and a custom gear form cutter at your disposal, you can produce gear teeth of almost any length and depth.
While this process may be slower than other popular gear cutting methods (broaching, hobbing, etc.), you really can’t compare the precision, quality, and repeatability of the results. Visit our Gear Form Cutter page to learn more.
SPECIAL TOOLS IS YOUR GO-TO SOURCE FOR CUSTOM TOOL CREATION
If you’re a Minnesota business searching for a local tool expert you can trust, look no further than Special Tools. For three generations, we’ve been supplying our customers with the highest quality custom tools across a wide variety of industries.
Visit our website to get an estimate or give us a call at 763-753-6515 and we’ll work with you and your team to create exactly what you need to get the job done right.
