A UK specialist in micro-machining solutions, Rainford Precision, has invested in a Keyence digital microscope to provide a complete tool investigation and consultancy service for customers in the UK and Ireland.

The company’s managing director Miles Evans says: “When you are servicing customers with tools below 0.2 mm in diameter, diagnosing and optimising tool life and performance is a challenge. The Keyence system will enable us to provide a unique service to our customers within the cutting tool marketplace.”

With a magnification range from 100 to 1000, Rainford’s experts can analyse standard and micro-tools then investigate and resolve the barriers to optimum performance.

Cutting tools smaller than 0.5 mm in diameter can naturally pose issues when investigating performance and tool life issues. With the Keyence VHX-970FN, Rainford can provide an aftersales service aimed at delivering improved tool life, machining performance, productivity and consistency.

By investigating the wear characteristics of customer tools and armed with the cutting data, the company can diagnose issues from a multitude of factors. For example, if the cutting speeds, feeds and machining parameters are impacting performance, Rainford will be able to diagnose this from investigations with the Keyence microscope. Likewise, concentricity, tool holding and the associated concerns of rigidity, balance and stability could also be diagnosed and potentially rectified through Rainford’s service and product portfolio.

For existing customers, the service will provide a comprehensive feedback loop with full reporting and recommendations to maximise the machining performance of tools purchased through Rainford. Additionally, all potential customers who may be experiencing issues with their current cutting tools, whoever the manufacturer, and want investigate potential solutions, will be able to send their tools to Rainford’s experts.

For further information www.rainfordprecision.com