At the recent Farnborough International Airshow, TFC set out its latest solutions for smart VMI (vendor managed inventory), which introduce real-time automation into VMI supply chain management. This customisable portfolio of solutions leverages partner company Inventor-e’s real-time automated technology to complement TFC’s decades of experience delivering VMI solutions, ultimately giving manufacturers better visibility and control over their supply chains.

Smart technology, such as iVendSecure, allows manufacturers to manage and control high-value assets, such as cutting tools and tool holders, by keeping them safe in restricted lockers. Real-time monitoring provides a clear overview of asset whereabouts, where intelligent reporting of collected data can help companies to improve traceability and compliance.

Brian Vince, group quality manager at TFC, says: “For businesses in the manufacturing industry, where compliance and control is essential, Smart VMI is the natural evolution of VMI. It can offer a whole host of extra benefits, including automated stock replenishment, alongside increased traceability of tools, components and high-value assets.”

Chris Billinge, business development director at TFC, adds: “UK manufacturers seem to be busier than ever. The ongoing unpredictability of demand has caused many manufacturers to rethink their supply chains as they look to maximise capacity, productivity and efficiency in their production processes. VMI puts supply chain management into the hands of an experienced partner who has the expertise, local knowledge and global connections to streamline and simplify the process.”

TFC also showcased its ARaymond and Smalley product solutions at Farnborough, such as the ARaymond VDA low-push connector and the Smalley Revolox self-locking retaining ring alongside a range of other connector, ring and spring solutions.
For further information https://tfc.eu.com/

Horn has expanded its product portfolio to include tools tipped with CBN for machining difficult materials such as superalloys and hardened steels. Ultra-hard CBN material is capable of smooth machining even during interrupted cutting when hard turning and grooving. By extending its existing standard ranges of Supermini 105, Mini 11P, 229 and 315 systems, Horn is able to deliver the CBN tools quickly from stock.

The Supermini system is available in left- and right-hand versions with different corner radii. Notably, the CBN-tipped variants are for internal machining from a diameter of 2 mm. Different lengths of solid-carbide body are available. Tools in the Mini family feature internal diameters from 6.8 mm and are available in left- and right-hand versions. The single-edged tool type 315 is for external grooving from a width of 0.5 mm. In the cutting insert system 229, the higher performance substrate CB 35 replaces the previous CBN substrate CB 50. Inserts are available with two different corner radii and cutting widths from 3 to 6 mm.

CBN is the second-hardest material after diamond. Tools made from CBN wear much more slowly than other cutting materials when used appropriately. It is consequently possible to achieve higher dimensional and profile accuracy, even when machining hard materials such as steel up to 70 HRc.

There are no different grades of CBN. Differentiation between tools is down to the CBN volume fraction, the fillers, grain size and the ceramic/metallic binder phase (cobalt/nickel), which results in different CBN substrates. Hard machining usually takes place without coolant, as these cutting materials have high heat resistance and the elevated temperature within the chip formation zone has a positive effect.
For further information www.phorn.co.uk

Kyocera has launched of its 2KMB solid-carbide ball-nose end mill for high-hardness material processing and micro-machining. Used in the fine machining of precision parts and metallic moulds, this new solid-carbide round tool product is now available globally from Kyocera.

2KMB is the second product launch in Kyocera’s K-series solid-carbide line, which combines new coating technology with a proprietary shape for the effective micro-machining of various high-hardness materials such as alloy tool steel, stainless steel and high-speed steel (HSS).

Kyocera’s new wear-resistant coating, MegaCoat Hard Ex, features a special two-layer structure to ensure stable processing with high toughness and chipping resistance. The wear resistance and chipping resistance both contribute to higher quality and longer tool life. According to Kyocera, the coating facilitates long tool-life processing due to its superior oxidation resistance and wear resistance. Notably, the coating supports quenched hardened steel processing from tempered steel up to 70 HRc.

The newly developed S-shaped cutting edge with high levels of sharpness deliver a high-quality surface finish on the component and maintain wear resistance. Here, a wide core thickness increases tool rigidity, which prevents collapse and ensures stable processing. As another stand-out feature, point cutting (strong back taper) reduces collapse and prevents chattering, while the novel cutting edge shape gradually changes rake angle and clearance angle, compatible with high blade edge strength and low resistance.
For further information www.kyocera.co.uk