Laser diamond-tool machining with the LASERTEC PrecisionTool series
Laser processing of high-end precision tools
Economical production of cutting edges and chip breakers in PCD
Applications for precision tools made from polycrystalline diamond (PKD) and cubic boron nitride (CBN) include machining non-ferrous metal alloys, hard metals, carbon fibers (CFRP), and ceramics. The tools are notable for their extreme hardness, which extends tool life by up to 40 percent. However, grinding them conventionally or manufacturing them by means of erosion is a high-effort enterprise. The LASERTEC PrecisionTool series from DMG MORI is the perfect alternative for the machining of cutting edges and chip-breaker geometries of reversible cutting inserts and rotary tools. Laser processing allows diamond tools to be machined economically, with a focus on quality.
This means that with laser technology, DMG MORI has been able to achieve a new level of quality in the processing of PCD tools. One of the impressive results of this is significantly lower cutting-edge chipping compared to ground or eroded tools. This non-contact and reliable method is also resource-efficient and sustainable, because it does not wear out grinding tools or require erosion wires.
Easy transition from erosion to laser machining
DMG MORI’s machine portfolio for laser machining PCD tools includes the LASERTEC 20 PrecisionTool with travel distances of 200 x 400 x 280 mm and the LASERTEC 50 PrecisionTool. Here, the travel distances are 500 x 500 x 700 mm, which enables machining of large tools with diameters up to 360 mm and lengths up to 420 mm. And in addition, the smaller model in its PreCut variant is suitable for the 5-axis separation of cutting inserts from blanks – a process ten times faster compared to wire cutting. The LASERSOFT software deploys the industry-standard (GTR) as a programming solution. This allows for the import of existing EDM projects, with a user-friendly interface that simplifies the transition from EDM to laser machining.
DMG MORI automates the processing of PCD tools, thus ensuring maximum productivity with minimal space requirements. With both LASERTEC PrecisionTool machines, space-saving pallet handling systems are available: the PH 10|100 for the LASERTEC 20 PrecisionTool and the PH 50 for the larger model.