Tools and tooling
Tooling is selected for the material, the cutting conditions and the machine. The same size in a different grade gives a different tool life.
We supply cutting and auxiliary tools, fixtures and consumables. Selection is driven by the workpiece material, cutting conditions and machine characteristics; for repeat items a list is compiled for regular purchasing.
What it solves
- Tools wear out faster than the economics of the operation allow.
- The usual brand is unavailable and the equivalent was chosen on size alone.
- The tooling does not fit the spindle interface or the fixture.
- Repeat items are bought one-off and re-sourced every time.
What we supply
- Mills, drills, taps, turning tools and inserts
- Holders, chucks, collets and auxiliary tooling
- Machine fixtures and workholding
- Consumables and abrasive tools
- Measuring tools
Input data we work with
- Workpiece material and its hardness
- Machine type, spindle interface, power
- Cutting conditions and required surface finish
- The current tool and its service life
How selection works
- We start from the material and the operation, not from a catalogue number.
- We match interface, overhang and machine power against the proposed tool.
- Geometry and coating are chosen for the cutting conditions and the required finish.
- We discuss the difference in tool life before the order, not after the first batch.
Matching sheet
| Parameter | Original | Proposed | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | End mill | End mill | match |
| Diameter | ⌀ 16 | ⌀ 16 | match |
| Flutes | 4 | 4 | match |
| Coating | AlTiN | TiAlN | differs |
| Shank | plain ⌀ 16 | plain ⌀ 16 | match |
| Cutting data | manufacturer data | manufacturer data | verified by trial batch |
Example format. The set of parameters depends on the tool type and is agreed before ordering.
Parameter alignment
- Carbide grade, coating and geometry are fixed in the specification.
- Differences from the usual brand — tool life and cutting data — are stated in writing.
- For repeat items we fix a list for regular purchasing.
Pre-shipment checks
- Designation, dimensions and grade checked against the order.
- Batch marking and the integrity of the cutting edges are checked.
- Packaging protecting the edges in transit is checked.
Documents
- Supply contract and specification
- Invoice and delivery documents
- Manufacturer cutting data where it is provided
Risks we remove
- The equivalent has lower tool life: verified with a trial batch before switching volumes.
- The tool does not fit the interface: removed by checking the interface before ordering.
Who it suits
- Machining sections and shops
- Tool cribs with regular purchasing
- Plants switching grades because the previous ones are unavailable
Stages of work
The operation
Material, hardness, stock allowance, required finish.
The machine
Spindle interface, power, speed, clamping rigidity.
Selection
Geometry, grade, coating and recommended cutting data.
Trial batch
A small quantity to measure tool life on your operation.
Regular purchasing
A list of repeat items for planned deliveries.
What to send for a quote
- Workpiece material and operation
- Machine type and interface
- The tool currently in use, if any
Questions and answers
Tools are wearing out sooner than usual. Is that a defect?
Can we buy tooling on a regular basis rather than by one-off enquiries?
Can you match a tool from a sample?
Related capabilities
Machine tools and equipment
Metalworking and auxiliary equipment, line assemblies and tooling.
Learn more →02Spare parts and components
Bearings, drives, hydraulics and wear parts. OEM, factory equivalent or manufacture to drawing.
Learn more →03Supply from drawing and sample
Identifying an item when there is no part number: from a drawing, photo, nameplate or the part itself.
Learn more →Send us the task — we come back with options
A drawing, a photo of the assembly, a nameplate, a part number or a description of what has to work. We review the inputs, ask what is missing and show the available options with price, lead time and differences.