BTA Form Tools come in one of two main types -- specialized finishing tools or stepped combination tools. A specialized finishing tool requires special carbide cutters which machine the finish form. Additionally this type of tool usually follows a roughing operation since the special brazed cutters are not ideally suited for heavy stock removal -- standard BTA indexable tooling has a much lower cost per part than special cutters.
Stepped combination tools simply combine two or more drilling operations into a single operation. A variety drilling problems such as Counter-Boring and Solid-Boring may be solved in this manner. This type of form tool typically uses standard BTA Indexable Spare Parts which can be interchanged with other BTA tooling -- resulting in reduced inventory. Additionally these types of tools do not require that a roughing tool be used before them. The figure below illustrates a 2-Step tool that solid bores and counter bores at the same time.
Both of these examples use the BTA/STS system with an external thread. However depending on your needs, the tools may also be threaded for an internal thread. Depending on machining requirements, American Heller may also design your Form Tool to be used with the double tube system (DTS). For more information on the BTA/STS or DTS systems please refer to our Drilling Information Page.
BTA Internal Profiling Tools
BTA Internal Profiling Tools, also known as bottle-boring tools, are similar to form tools yet they have one major difference -- they must start with bore diameter that is smaller than a diameter deeper into the workpiece. BTA Profiling Tools are covered seperatly and you may find more information by following this link or by calling us at 1-586-677-2300.
|
