The best boring operations occur when there are moderate feed rates and the bars run at the fastest speed possible. However, when working on a new machine, it can be challenging to know exactly what those optimum conditions are to get the best boring operations possible. Learn three tips to help improve the quality of boring below.
Pick a Suitable Speed Dependent Upon the Material
The best speed at which a boring tool should run depends upon the material. Selecting a speed that is too fast can lead to the tool wearing out more quickly and have buildup on the edge. One can gain some insight into the best speed by consulting a carbide manufacturer’s instructions or a machining data handbook.
The most common materials used in boring are aluminum, cast iron, and steel. One can usually select a high rate of speed boring through aluminum, as much as 800 sfpm. With cast iron, it is often better to be in the range of 400 to 450 sfpm. When it comes to steel, the speed should be 450 sfpm or higher. The keys to keep in mind for the best speed are the greatest speed one can achieve safe cutting without putting undue stress, vibration, or wear on the tool.
Note the Boring Bar’s Projection Ratio
To have the best boring operations possible, it is important to check the projection ratio of the boring bar. This means taking the total bore depth of the tool and dividing it by the greatest boring bar diameter. This ratio should be no greater than 4:1 to ensure there is no vibration when using the tool. If the ratio is 5:1 or greater, chances are high that the cutting speeds will have to be lowered in order to obtain better boring operations, leading to a loss in efficiency.
