- This tool can produce a "straight" or a 30º
"spiral" knurl.
- Right-handed use: For a straight knurling on the
component (RAA) you will need to fit one right-hand spiral
knurl (BR30º).
For a 30º right-spiral knurling on the component (RBR) you
will need to fit one straight knurl (AA).
- Left-handed use: For a straight knurling on
the component (RAA) you will need to fit one left-hand spiral
knurl
(BL30º). For
a 30º left-spiral knurling on the component (RBL) you will
need to fit one straight knurl (AA).
The knurl should be fitted to the holder as shown using a high temperature
grease for initial lubrication. Tighten the socket cap screw to ensure
the knurl is secured adequately and that it is free to rotate.
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- Now clamp the tool into the machine as shown above.
Ensure that the top surface of the shank is exactly on centerline
of the machine (this will be on the underside surface if mounted
upside down on a CNC rear turret.)
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- Set the head in a level position and secure tightly
by the main socket cap screw (A). Also tighten the two "jacking"
screws (B) to prevent any rotation of the head.
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- Prepare your knurl blank diameter to suit the knurl
being applied. Although this size can theoretically be calculated, trial
and error is the preferred way to get best results. For reference purposes
you can use the following formula: diameter = [ knurl pitch x #teeth
being applied / pi x cos(helix) ]. Once a functional size has been established
it should be held within ±0.03 mm (±.001").
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- These cut-knurling tools are designed to make a single
pass across the material. The depth of this should be 0.5 x pitch of
the knurl (i.e. if a 1.0 mm pitch knurl is being used, the cut depth
after "touch on" will be 0.5 mm. radially (or 1.0 mm on dia.)
Please refer to the recommended feeds and speeds for cut knurling.
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- Lubrication / coolant is very important, there should
be a good "jet" blast of coolant at both wheels to ensure
a quality knurl is achieved. This will prevent wheel seizure by keeping
the solid bushes cool and at the same time, will wash the swarf away.
Failure to wash away the swarf will result in small particles being
rolled into the finished knurl profile thereby reducing the overall
quality.
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- Method of approach is important. The
knurl wheel should be plunged into the end of the workpiece VIA
THE X-AXIS (not
the z-axis) with an engagement length of 2 x pitch (but no more
than
50% of the width of the wheel). It is important to penetrate the part
at least 50% of the pitch of the knurl. Once at the correct depth
the tool
can traverse across the component in the usual way. At the end of
traversing the tool should be retracted using the cross slide (X
axis at the appropriate position).
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- If the resultant knurl has a spiral appearance of less
than 5º it can be adjusted using the two jacking screws at the
front of the head. If the error is more than 5º it indicates there
is a center height problem with the set-up.
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- At regular intervals during the production run, make
checks to ensure the knurl wheel is free to rotate and that it is not
showing excessive signs of wear.
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