Turning operations 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.
Related topics
- Inclined turning
- Simultaneous turning operation
- FreeTurn tools
- Indexed tools
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.
- Software option Turning (#50 / #4-03-1)
- 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 tool in simulation
To use FreeTurn tools, call only the desired cutting edge of the correctly defined indexed tool in your NC program.
Example: Turning with a FreeTurn tool
FreeTurn tools
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).
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: FreeTurn tool (#50 / #4-03-1)
FreeTurn tool carrier
- 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.
Customizing tool carrier templates with ToolHolderWizard
Notes
- 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).