The Institute of Manufacturing Technology has existed as an integral part of Brno University of Technology for several decades. The large research team tackles scientific and specialist matters involved in designing of optimal manufacturing technologies and processes. The team studies the processing of various material types: from metal alloys to plastics and composite materials. At present, the institute consists of four departments specialising in machining, forming, welding, surface treatment and foundry operations.
Machining technology is analysed by the research team headed by Prof. Ing. Miroslav Píška CSc., who has also now been head of the department for over a decade. Thus he has contributed to numerous research tasks and projects which have resulted in the development of many new technological solutions. The following text introduces three of the latest machining tools.
Milling Cutter for Engraving and Micro-Milling
The tool tackles the problem of how to machine more effectively, especially when it comes to the rotation tool’s axis, where low cutting speeds occur and result in tool back grind-in and even tool collision. The distinguishing feature of the solution lies in the fact that the effective geometry of the tool face and back changes depending on the tool diameter and the cutting conditions. The invention enjoys Czech patent protection and a European patent is pending. The tool is ideal for working in a rotation axis, for manufacturing flexible shear tools, and for milling sharp edges.
Fig. 1: Milling cutter for engraving and micro milling
Drilling Head
This head addresses the issue of deep drilling while keeping acquisition costs low, a solution which would be greatly appreciated in civil engineering, wood processing and metal processing industries. The drill consists of a changeable drill head and a clamp. Chip removal is performed through the tool body and there are effective chip wash off and cooling options. The drill head can be made in two parts: a cutting material connected with a clamp, thereby ensuring that its length is equal to the required cutting length. The tool is relatively easy to make, cost effective and can be used in industrial and smaller workshops. The product is a protected utility model.
Fig. 2: Drill head, ideal for deep drilling
Milling Cutter for Roughing
This milling cutter is made with “compensatory cutting edges” and can be used for all types of machined materials, including composites. The unique aspects of this milling cutter include its shape, which is given by the opposite direction of the helical line compared to standard milling cutters, and the recesses making additional cutting edges on the milling cutter blades. Another major advantage over commonly available milling cutters is the improved chip grinding, its applicability for friable materials and its resistance to cracks and breaks. The milling cutter prevents any pull by the material into the cut, which is appreciated when milling thin-walled parts, and also inhibits sheet lifting when milling bundled materials. The milling cutter has further construction variations, all of which are shown in the figure below. The product is patent pending.
Fig. 3: Milling cutter with compensation bits for roughing (Variant A, B, C)
Source of the pictures: author's archives
