I recently stumbled upon a video on the Titans of CNC YouTube channel that left me completely amazed. The footage showcased someone reaming 4140 steel at a whopping 184 inches per minute (467.36 centimeters per minute) – an impressive feat I had never witnessed before.
A Revolutionary Reaming Tool
The video showcases a new fluteless reamer that can run up to 20 times faster than traditional reamers in through-hole applications. This high-performance reamer called the KenReam Front Gash Solid Carbide Reamer, has a front gash design instead of flutes, making it more rigid.
This revolutionary tool can run at over 184 inches per minute (467.36 centimeters per minute), making it extremely efficient. In a demonstration, 125 holes in 4140 steel were reamed in under three minutes, showcasing the tool’s impressive speed and capability.
This was the fastest reaming process I had ever seen, and it got me thinking about how fast reaming could revolutionize the machining industry by increasing productivity and helping manufacturers save time and money.
So in case you don’t know, what exactly is reaming? Reaming is a process used to accurately size holes with excellent surface quality and cylindricity. Although high-performance drills are often used for this purpose, reamers provide more consistency throughout the tool’s life.
However, reamers do have limitations, as they typically can’t improve the location or straightness of a hole. Instead, they follow the pre-existing drilled hole.
Innovations in Reaming
When I delved deeper into the world of reaming, I discovered the incredible innovations happening in this field. I learned about the different types of reamers available, like high-speed steel reamers and carbide reamers, and how they’ve evolved to improve chip management, hole roundness accuracy, and straightness. But it was the cutting-edge KenReam reamer that truly caught my eye.
The KenReam Front Gash Reamer, specifically designed for through-hole reaming applications, is a game changer. What sets it apart from traditional reamers is its flueless design with a front gash, which allows for a larger core diameter and increased rigidity.
Not only is this reamer fast, but it also maintains a high level of precision. Using gauge pins to check the size of the holes, it was found that the reamer kept the hole size within four or five-tenths of the desired size, even at accelerated speeds.
This innovative tool also boasts 6 teeth cutting edges, as opposed to the standard four found on most carbide reamers, this gives more surface engagement and a high chip removal rate per revolution.
Combine these features with the advanced substrate and coating, and you get a reamer capable of significantly increasing feeds and speeds, making it incredibly efficient.
As I continued to learn about high-speed reaming, I discovered the importance of tool runout. Ideally, you want to achieve a total runout of one to two-tenths in the video.
But from my experience, if you can eliminate more it is better. Hydraulic holders and shrink-fit holders can be particularly helpful in achieving this level of precision. This kind of holder can squeeze better than usual ones. Especially if you feed tools very fast you should consider using one of them.
It’s essential to verify the runout before you begin the reaming operation to ensure the best possible results.
After exploring the benefits of high-speed reaming, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the incredible leaps in CNC machining technology.
By using high-performance reamers like the KenReam, manufacturers can dramatically increase efficiency and save both time and money.
In a world where productivity is crucial, the introduction of high-speed reaming is truly a game changer, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to evolve and impact the machining industry.
Helpful Reaming Tips
- Focus on the drilling operation: Since reamers follow the pre-existing hole, it is essential to pay extra attention to the drilling operation. Using a high-performance drill over a general-purpose drill can lead to better results.
- Chip management: The design of a reamer will differ depending on whether you are reaming through holes or blind holes. However, chip management remains crucial in both cases. Tools with helical flutes can help keep chips tighter in long-chipping materials.
- Tool runout: Aim for 1 to 2 tenths (2.54 to 5.08 micrometers-µm)total runout to ensure the best performance. Hydraulic holders and shrink-fit holders can help achieve this level of precision.
- Quality Check: Always check the reamed holes with go-nogo pins.
Conclusion
The high-speed reaming revolution has arrived, and the KenReam Front Gas Reamer is leading the charge.
This groundbreaking tool is not only increasing the speed at which reamers can work but also greatly boosting productivity and profitability.
As we continue to push the boundaries of manufacturing technology, the industry can look forward to even more impressive advancements in the future.