Turning operation with FreeTurn tools

Application

The control makes it possible to define FreeTurn tools and to use them, for example, for inclined or simultaneous turning operations.

FreeTurn tools are lathe tools that are equipped with multiple cutting edges. Depending on the variant, a single FreeTurn tool may be capable of axis-parallel and contour-parallel roughing and finishing.

Thanks to the use of FreeTurn tools, fewer tool changes are required, reducing the machining time. Due to the tool orientation to the workpiece, only outside machining is possible.

Requirements

  • Machine whose tool spindle is perpendicular to the workpiece spindle or can be inclined.
  • Depending on the machine kinematics, a rotary axis is required for the orientation of the spindles to each other.

  • Machine with controlled tool spindle
  • The control inclines the cutting edge by means of inclining the tool spindle.

  • Combined milling/turning (software option 50)
  • Kinematics description
  • The machine manufacturer provides the kinematics description. Based on the kinematics description, the control can take the tool geometry, for example, into account.

  • Machine-manufacturer macros for simultaneous turning with FreeTurn tools
  • FreeTurn tool with suitable tool carrier
  • Tool definition
  • A FreeTurn tool always includes three cutting edges of an indexed tool.

Description of function

FreeTurn tools

FreeTurn-Schrupp
FreeTurn-Schlicht
FreeTurn-Schrupp-Schlicht

FreeTurn indexable insert for roughing

FreeTurn indexable insert for finishing

FreeTurn indexable insert for roughing and finishing

  • The control supports all variants of FreeTurn tools:
  • Tool with finishing cutting edge
  • Tool with roughing cutting edge
  • Tool with finishing and roughing cutting edge

In the TYP column of the tool management, select a turning tool (TURN) as the tool type. In the TYPE column, assign the appropriate technology-specific tool type to each cutting edge, i.e. roughing tool (ROUGH) or finishing tool (FINISH).

Subgroups of technology-specific tool types

A FreeTurn tool must be defined as an indexed tool with three cutting edges that are offset by the ORI angle of orientation. Each cutting edge has the TO 18 tool orientation.

Example of a FreeTurn tool

FreeTurn tool carrier

FreeTurn-Werkzeugtraeger_Vorlage
Tool carrier template for a FreeTurn tool

There is a suitable tool carrier for each FreeTurn tool variant. HEIDENHAIN provides ready-to-use tool carrier templates for download that are included in the programming station software. You can then assign the tool-carrier kinematics descriptions generated from the templates to the respective indexed cutting edge.

Tool-carrier templates

Notes

 
Notice
Danger of collision!
The shaft length of the turning tool limits the diameter that can be machined. There is a risk of collision during machining!
  1. Check the machining sequence in the simulation
  • Due to the tool orientation to the workpiece, only outside machining is possible.
  • Please note that FreeTurn tools can be combined with various machining strategies. Therefore, make sure to observe the specific notes, e.g. in conjunction with the selected machining cycles.