Cutting Tools For All Occasions

Whenever a discussion turns to standard tools (catalog) vs. specials (custom-designed tools), some interesting distinctions arise. For end users, the distinctions are straightforward. OEMs, job shops, and manufacturers up and down the supply chain—whether in automotive, aerospace or general engineering—want to know what, how soon and how much. This seems simple enough until you consider all the permutations in applications, materials and every aspect of machine tool technology. The mix of cutting tools available depends to a great degree on where they are needed. Shops that face daily changes in workpieces and materials value versatility of cutters; high-volume manufacturers benefit from cycle reduction, time savings and long tool life.