Sandvik Coromant has introduced the Silent Tools Plus boring bar.
The new boring bar is equipped with sensors to provide data on utilization, temperature, deflection and the surface quality achieved, and intervenes adaptively in the machining process if the limit parameters are exceeded. Process transparency is improved, allowing the machining process to be significantly optimized.
The integration of smart sensors enables detailed tool information and machining states to be called up on the machine control system, a tablet or a PC. Various sensors installed in the Silent Tools Plus boring bar provide data on load, temperature, deflection and more. Signals are transmitted via Bluetooth so that the machine can respond interactively to a defined trigger event. The process can be visualized and documented, making it fully transparent. Using an inductive coupling to power the sensors instead of an accumulator is a completely new feature.
Silent Tools Plus has integrated sensors in different places. A vibration sensor fitted to the cutting head allows vibrations to be detected even at an early stage. The operator or machine control system can react in real time, preventing the problems commonly associated with vibrations and thus reducing scrap rates and rework. A temperature sensor built into the damping unit monitors the actual temperature, which is also displayed. This increases process reliability and ensures better maintainability of the boring bar. Sensors are also installed in the boring bar itself, which provide data on the force being exerted on the bar. In combination with the “iControl” process monitoring system, protection for the machine, workpiece and tool is enhanced to ensure reliable and economical production, especially in spare parts production or for small batch sizes. On the one hand, the machine and tools should be used with maximum productivity; on the other hand, the process should run as stably and reliably as possible. The up to 16 process signals to be monitored are configured by WFL at the factory according to the machine equipment and displayed live on the controller’s screen. Important process signals are the forces or torques of the NC axes and spindles, but also the signals derived from the sensors integrated in the boring bar.
