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New Technologies

Sometimes changes have to be made when a product we are working on in the shop has too many Secondary Operations. These changes usually are due to problems keeping tolerances and quality intact. However, as new technologies become available we are able to tighten up these tolerances and push the boundaries when it comes to dimensions. Some shops find it difficult to keep up with the changing technologies. But, here at Vallorbs we try to be the ones championing new applications.

The Necessity of a New Tool

One particular new technological advanced we have been using quite frequently is drilling a .040 diameter hole, 1.130 deep into Strain Hardened 304 Stainless Steel. Prior to our tech change our secondary equipment pecking cycle time to drill this feature was costing us a fortune due to its difficulty.
So we decided we wanted a solution to the problem and began seeking out machine and drill manufactures to discover what is now on the market. As we all know “necessity is the father of invention”, and nothing could ring more true for our upgrade. We needed new machinery that would allow us to meet the tighwww tolerances while still crafting high quality parts.
Our search led us to new Swiss type CNC Screw machines, which now have deep drilling hole capabilities with high pressure pumps. We compared suppliers and machines, eventually finding a couple of options that would make a .040 diameter drill at the length we required with coolant thru capabilities. The new capabilities of these machines are unbelievable; as it seems impossible that coolant thru holes in each drill flute could be .004 in diameter. Until approximately six months ago these coolant thru carbide drills never existed at the diameter and length we required. To keep chips from packing the flutes, coolant was a must and the precise viscosity and pressure of it was essential. The drills we found were able to meet this need and our specific requirements.
Now we can drill the depth of a .040 hole 30 times the diameter without pecking. Prior to this new advanced only 3 times the diameter of a .040 was the standard practice for each peck. Staying on top of technology is the only way to stay competitive and at Vallorbs we believe that it is incredibly important in achieving and keeping your standards high.