Academy > Are your tools sharpened?

Are your tools sharpened?

WHAT IS INFLUENCING A GOOD TOOL’S PERFORMANCE:

  • The machine type and hit rate speed (Mechanical, Hydraulic, Servo Electric or High Speed Hydraulic);
  • If tool is making full hit or nibbling;
  • The material type and thickness of the parts you have to manufacture;
  • If you are respecting the correct punching tool programming rules or not;
  • Using the correct die clearance;
  • If you are running proper machine and tool maintenance.

 

INCORRECT SHARPENING* 

Radius on cutting edge Number of hits
0.15 mm 80000
0.30 mm 40000
0.45 mm 20000
0.60 mm 10000
0.75 mm 5000
Material Removed 0.75 mm Tot.Hits 155.000

For being able to get the higher tool performance, you have to regrind once the corner radius on punch tip is
around 0,15mm. More than double tool life when regularly and frequently sharpened!

CORRECT SHARPENING* 

Radius on cutting edge Number of hits
0.15 mm 80000
0.30 mm 80000
0.45 mm 80000
0.60 mm 80000
0.75 mm 80000
Material Removed 0.75 mm Tot.Hits 400.000

(*Values obtained assuming that tools are used in correct and optimal conditions.)

 

 

 

WHEN TO REGRIND: 3 BASIC INDICATORS

  1. Monitor the cutting edge: When there is a radius of 0.15 mm it
    is time to regrind. If a punch can shave your finger nail it is
    sharp, if it cannot it needs re-grinding.
  2. Monitor the punching noise: If the punch press is making more
    noise when punching a particular tool than it normally does,
    the tool’s cutting edge may be dull.
  3. Monitor holes and slugs quality.
  • Tools sharpening can give back to a punch all characteristics as first purchased.
  • We can get more than double of the hits compared to a punch not sharpened.

If your tools are sharpened correctly:

  • Flatter sheets
  • Less noise
  • Less stress on tool and machine
  • Increased holes quality
  • Tools lasting longer
  • Reducing new tools purchasing amount.