Machined parts manufacturing: What are the advantages of high-speed machining?

Machining encompasses a set of techniques used to manufacture parts by cutting. When cutting the material with specially designed cutting tools, the part gradually changes from its raw form to the finished product. This ensures a high degree of accuracy in the result.

Unlike conventional machining, high-speed machining (also known as HSM) is a machining process that involves a high cutting speed. It provides many gains in terms of productivity and quality. In short, it has many advantages.

High-speed machining limits heat exchange

Despite its name, high-speed machining offers several cutting speeds, each with its own advantages, and can be adapted to the material and part being manufactured.

However, at a higher cutting speed than traditional processes, high-speed machining prevents heat exchange between the chip and the part. As a result, the treated material is not subject to structural changes and retains its integrity. In particular, this makes it possible to machine heat-sensitive materials. This means that the part doesn’t need to be heat treated, since it remains at room temperature.

High-speed machining provides gains at different levels

There are many technical advantages to this process. Indeed, HSM leads to important gains in productivity thanks to its cutting speed. Moreover, this process also improves the machining accuracy and the condition of the machined part’s surface. Furthermore, this technique allows you to machine thin parts, since the cutting speed reduces the impact on the material.

Technical requirements for using HSM

The special nature of this cutting technique therefore has some specific requirements. In order to achieve such a high cutting speed, machine tools designed for this type of process must be used.

The rigidity of the tool structure must therefore be increased and certain types of parts designed specifically for HSM must be used. In addition, the machine must be properly maintained.

Nevertheless, the high frequency of tool rotation can lead to some dynamic instability problems during operations. However, these do not affect the quality of the parts machined using this process.

The HSM is increasingly present in machine shops

In conclusion, high-speed machining has enabled many improvements in parts production, especially in the aeronautics industry or the manufacture of forging or foundry moulds. This very efficient technique has many advantages and allows you to carry out certain projects that conventional machining does not. The many qualities of HSM make this process a preferred technique for machining and manufacturing your parts.

If you are looking for a company that combines advanced techniques with extensive experience for machining your gears or other mechanical parts, contact Braidwood Industries Ltd.

About the Author: yohan