Image of cutting fluid on machine

We’ve been making things out of metal for centuries, and it’s something that many people are still interested in today. There are various ways to work with metal, but one of the essential aspects is cutting it. Without a good way to cut metal, you’re not going to be able to do much with it. That’s where cutting fluids come in. Without them, the process would be much more complex and could result in damage to your tools or equipment.

Cav Tool discusses the ins and outs of cutting fluids in this blog post and everything you need to know about them because no one knows metal as we do!

What is a Cutting Fluid?

A cutting fluid is a liquid or gaseous material used to reduce metal heat, friction, and wear in machining operations. It can be applied as an emulsion (a mixture of two liquids that don’t usually mix), paste, aerosol spray, or injected into the tool-workpiece interface during chip formation.

Cutting fluids cool and lubricate the tool, which reduces friction while also keeping it from overheating. The fluid is sprayed onto the parts during machination.

It produces a thin oil film on top of your workpiece that enhances performance by minimizing wear, corrosion, heat damage, and other problems associated with metalworking operations. It also helps keep cutting tools sharp, extending their life span.

Types of Lubricants Used in CNC:

Several different lubricants are used in CNC machining, each with its unique properties and benefits. The most popular ones include:

Mineral Oil – The oldest type of lubricant; it is cheap and easy to use but has a high level of toxicity. It also tends to be very messy since it doesn’t evaporate like other fluids do when they dry out on parts or equipment surfaces.

Pneumatic Oils – These oils have low viscosity (resistance against the flow), making them ideal for pneumatic applications where air pressure is applied to create motion. Pneumatic oils are typically used in the automotive industry because they can lubricate moving parts without causing damage or wear on seals; this means less maintenance and more excellent reliability over time!

Synthetic Oils – This type of oil has many advantages, including being environmentally friendly while still providing excellent lubrication. It also tends not to be as messy as other types of lubricants when it dries out on parts or equipment surfaces (although this may vary depending on the brand).

Advantages of Cutting Fluids:

  • Keep tools and equipment from overheating
  • Lubricate moving parts and prevent wear
  • Help remove chips and debris from the work surface
  • Reduce friction between the device and the workpiece

Problems and Damages:

Although cutting fluids help protect tools and equipment from overheating, they can do more harm than good if misused. Some common problems include clogging or buildup inside metalworking machines (which will require regular maintenance).

In addition, the fluid itself could get contaminated with water or oil contamination resulting in poor performance at best – so it’s essential to keep an eye on the fluid condition.

A good quality machine would use any cutting fluid without causing damage. Cav Tool, we offer various products ranging from retainers to fixtures. We also have top-notch, professional staff members in Atlanta, GA, who are always happy to answer any questions you might have about our products or services. Get a free custom quote!

Image of stamping machines

One of the initial choices you’ll need to make when starting a new business is what type of die to use for your stamping needs. Two common types of dies are transfer stamps and progressive dies. Each has its unique benefits and drawbacks, so which one is right for you? Cav Tool takes a closer look at both options and sees what might work best for your business in Kansas City, KS!

Transfer Die Stamping:

What is Transfer Die Stamping?

Transfer die stamping is a type of die that uses a raised image on a plate to create an impression in another material. Heat and pressure move the image from the plate to the stamping material. This type of die is perfect for producing a small number of stamps with intricate designs.

How it Works:

To create a stamp, you first have to cover the raised image with ink. Then press it against the stamping material. The amount of pressure you use will determine how deep the image imprints the material. Heat also helps set ink to make it a permanent stamp.

The Advantages:

Transfer dies are perfect for creating stamps with intricate designs, as they produce a high level of detail. They are also great for small quantities, as pressure and heat can be easily controlled.

The Disadvantages:

Since transfer dies require a lot of pressure to create an image, they can become damaged if used frequently. In addition, the ink can smudge if not correctly set, affecting the quality of the stamp.

Progressive Die Stamping:

What Is It?

Progressive die stamping is a process that uses a series of metal plates to create an image. The first plate in the sequence contains the outline of the entire design, while subsequent ones have smaller and smaller details. It allows for a high level of detail and accuracy in the finished product.

How it Works:

The plates are mounted on a shaft then inserted into the press. The press applies pressure and heat to the plates, causing them to deform and create the desired image.

The Advantages:

Progressive dies produce clean, accurate images with no smudging or distortion. They are also great for large quantities, as the process is quick and efficient.

The Disadvantages:

Progressive dies can be expensive, requiring a lot of space to operate. They also need a high level of precision, which can be challenging to achieve.

Types of Die Projects:

Progressive dies are best suited for large, high-quantity projects. If you need a clean, accurate image and don’t mind spending a little extra money, then progressive dies are the way to go. On the other hand, transfer stamping is ideal for people who want to make smaller quantities or are on a tight budget.

Transfer stamping is perfect for small projects with low quantities. It’s also great for intricate images that require precision and accuracy. Best of all, it’s affordable and easy to use! So if you’re looking for an efficient, versatile die solution, transfer stamping is the way to go.

Cav Tool offers a wide range of die solutions for all your stamping needs in Kansas City, KS. Get a free custom quote now.

Image of worker and machinery

Be it a custom garage/workshop, or a robust manufacturing facility, producing high-quality metal products is not all about tolerances, machines & calibration. It has to do most with eliminating the probability of human error on the shop floor. That implies observing safety regulations like a hawk.

It’s also a legal duty to ensure workers are not at risk of the challenging working conditions in a metal manufacturing unit. CAV Tool, whose sole objective is to provide you with premium quality of high-tolerance products in Atlanta, GA, knows what safety tips matter the most when working as a team or going solo on your custom metal fabrication job!

1. Shop Floor Risk Assessment

This does not mean ‘making the rounds’ on the shop floor to check on how everyone is working. It’s a procedure to find potential risk areas. The list is extensive: moving machinery, overhead cranes, tool racks, welding stations, metal-working machines (lathe, milling, CNC, etc.), flammables, electrical outlets, motors, etc. & electronics! The hazards are noted, operator feedback taken, and an SOP for working safely in the shop is developed.

2. Operator Training

It’s a given that you will find apprentices, new professionals, and experienced operators in metallurgical workshops. They should not be left to their devices after a precursory orientation to the job. Short bursts of regular training, prep-talks, safety checks & machinery operation/calibration training should be dispensed as revision. This ensures everyone is aligned with the goal of the following custom order and works in tandem with safety protocols & tolerances.

3. Visible Guide & Hazard Signs

Kanban is an effective workflow management technique that utilizes simple symbols, charts, or pictograms to highlight risk areas, directions, guides, warnings, caution, and specific machine operations to ensure clear objectives in the workplace & prevent injury. Ensure any charts on the shop floor are visible, clean, and concise as per the workers-bay.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Once again, it does not matter whether the workshop is small or a factory; safety gear is cardinal to error-free, quality workmanship. Gloves, goggles, protective overalls, hardhats, welding face-shields, ear-plugs, steel-toe traction boots & a tool belt are not fashionable items, but they can be the difference between life and a couple of appendages short of a limb.

5. Air Filtration Units

In a facility where punching, dies, welds, fabrication parts on jigs, parts pulled apart for reverse engineering, and fine tooling is the norm, contaminants are drifting in the air, if not striking against your face shield. Flume extraction & air filtration systems are to be taken seriously. Air-borne pollutants can trigger pulmonary distress and even react with unfinished metal parts to compromise high-tolerance finishes.

6. Daily Safety Inspections

A suitable workshop is where everyone cleans up after themselves, gives their workstations nice oiling, and sweeps up the filings before calling it a day. Regular inspection, documentation, & recalibration of sensitive electronic machining equipment must be conducted by authorized personnel and all hazards checked before everyone clocks out.

If you are wondering who even endorses that much safety precaution in a metallurgy facility, then our best bet is that it’s the reactive OHSAS 18001 & proactive ISO 45001 guidelines!

At CAV Tools, it’s not our top-notch designing, fabrication, & machining equipment that gets the job done. It’s our highly trained, experienced machine operators who excise caution around hazards that get the job done to a standard unmatched by our competitors! And that is why our clients refer us all around Atlanta, GA!

Get a free estimate on dies, buttons, punches, or any custom tool you would like to have machined!

Image of tool & dye machine

The die-cutting industry is a booming market, with many new developments every day. It’s essential to know some key terminology, to understand the dynamics of this field. This blog post by the experts at Cav Tool in Atlanta, GA, will discuss some commonly used terms in the die-cutting industry.

What is Die-Cutting?

Die-cutting is a manufacturing process that uses a sharp blade to cut shapes out of material. The blade is typically mounted in a die cutter, allowing quick and accurate cuts. Die-cutting can create various forms, including letters, numbers, and intricate designs.

What are the Different Types of Die-Cutting Tools?

There are several different kinds of die-cutting tools. The most common are rotary cutters, which use a round blade to cut paper and other soft materials. A die-cut press consists of two plates that sandwich material between them after stamped by the tool’s dies or cutting surfaces.

What is Die Stacking?

Die stacking involves using multiple steel punches to create various parts on one sheet. First are the internal cuts, and then the piece is removed from the stack after stamping the outer shape.

Now that we’ve covered die-cutting basics, let’s dive in and learn what technical terms signify.

Ball-lock Retainers

Fancy, isn’t it? Ball-lock retainers are tiny balls that hold the dies in place on the press. They are spring-loaded and fit into corresponding indentations on the die.

Counterblow

This is a term used to describe the action of the upper die pushing down onto the material while it’s being cut. This helps to eject any waste material and create a clean edge.

Die Edge Bevels

The angle on the edge of a die is where the sharp edge begins. If you hold an unopened die up to the light, this angle should catch some light and give it away as being there.

Die Line

This refers to the location of any cuts on your material that is not stamped images or raised shapes – but instead, just lines cut into the material.

Matrix

Die-cutting matrix is another name for the upper and lower dies.

Oblique Angle

This is the angle at which your die cuts into the material. It’s important to know this to orient your artwork correctly on your substrate.

Punch

There are many die makers punches that range in shape, size, and design. Punches create stamped images or raised profiles on your material.

Score:

This term describes a very light cut made into the material being die-cut. This score helps prevent the material from splitting when removed from the die.

We hope this blog post has helped introduce you to some of the principal terms used in the die-cutting industry. Stay tuned for more jargon-busting posts shortly! Cav Tool, serving Atlanta, GA, is where you will find all die-cutting solutions under a roof. From small to large runs, we can handle it! Get a free custom quote now.

Image of calibration machine

How do you know if the company is reliable? How can you tell if they will provide quality work at a reasonable price? These are some of the questions people ask themselves when looking for an engineering parts manufacturer. Finding the right answers is not too difficult if you perform due diligence!

This blog post by CAV Tool in Atlanta, GA, discusses essential factors you should consider before choosing a parts manufacturer.

1) The Cost

You want to find a company that can provide quality work at a reasonable price. It’s important to remember that you get what you pay for, so be sure to compare prices before deciding.

It’s also important to ask the manufacturer about their turnaround time. You don’t want to wait weeks or months for your parts! Check with the manufacturer how long it will take them to produce your order and make sure they meet your deadline.

Finally, check shipping costs; some companies charge extra for shipping, so be sure to factor that into your budget.

2) The Part Manufacturer’s Market Experience

It’s critical and highly beneficial to work with an experienced company. That way, you can be sure they understand your needs and produce quality parts.

The parts manufacturer should also understand the ins and outs of the industry and the current manufacturing trends.

3) Delivery and Effective Communication

Make sure the parts manufacturer has a reliable delivery system in place and that they are effective communicators.

You want to track your order’s progress, so ensure that the company you choose offers online tracking. Additionally, be sure to have a contact person who can answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

Effective communication is critical; you need a manufacturer that explains the entire process and keeps you updated at all times.

4) Processing Equipment

Manufacturers that use substandard processing equipment may not guarantee quality results. So, you should find a supplier that uses the latest equipment to produce highly accurate components.

5) Quality Products

You need to ensure that your chosen manufacturer has a track record of delivering quality products and services. Quality goes beyond traditional standards and certifications; it is all about delivering results that meet your expectations and requirements.

A simple web search about the shortlisted manufacturers will tell you everything you need to know about them. You need to find out what others are saying before deciding who to partner with for parts manufacturing services.

Parts and products underperform when manufacturers compromise quality, this is why you need expertly manufactured high-quality, close-tolerance products in Atlanta, GA. CAV Tool offers reverse engineering and CNC machining solutions to provide extraordinary manufacturing solutions. Get a free custom quote from our team now!

Image of measuring device

Complex machine components need precision tools to fit together seamlessly. In manufacturing & fabrication terms, this is known as engineering tolerance. Tolerance is a max/min limit to the accurate cutting of machined parts that enable the parts to function as intended, in addition to their visual aesthetics. Tolerances vary from measurements to even texture, color, shape, & profile of components.

When you need quality precision tools in Detroit, MI, contact Cav Tool.

In a college woodwork class, a millimeter off is still manageable. But, in machining terms, it is a disaster. It can cause critical failure, especially if part of something like an aviation turbine. When a product design engineer is given the blueprints of a part, they need crucial details in machining. For example, if the punch is to work in a circular hole, how much can the diameter vary before it starts to affect the core functionality of the punched part?

Importance of Manufacturing Tolerances

Error Accountability: 

Tolerances allow for a minuscule amount of error as long as the core functionality remains unaltered. Tolerances defined from the beginning of the machining process ensure fewer defects and minor reworking. It helps to improve cost savings.

Aesthetics: 

Aesthetics & tolerances go hand in hand. If you need parts to fit together seamlessly, you need to observe extreme precision and tight tolerances to achieve that.

Improved Functionality: 

If you are fabricating parts for an assembly manufacturing unit sourced from multiple fabricators, you need to refine your tolerances to comply with the component fit. The same is observed across all supplying fabrication units.

Cost-Effective Machining: 

Tolerance ensures precisely machined parts and optimally utilized material, manufacture, & overhead costs to get the end product: fewer defects, more savings.

Shorter Board-to-Market Time: 

Observing tolerances may mean the machining process takes longer. Still, it’s efficient with the turnout in the long run. Defects cause delays and supply shortages; tolerances bypass that.

Reduced Ambiguity: 

Ambiguous measurements are a scourge to precise machining. Without specifications, components & parts are useless. Suppose you need a part machined down to a tolerance of ±0.002mm; you better state it in your blueprint.

The Cost & Benefit of High Tolerance Machining

The only downside of high tolerance machining is that the costs go up. You need time, skilled labor, and precision tools like a CNC to work the part. But the benefits of defect-free parts also reciprocate in rework savings and less overhead. Now, you wonder, why not use low-cost, low tolerances then? Well, you should watch a few episodes of ‘Moments from Disaster,’ especially the ones where low-tolerance parts compromised mega-machines. You will get the idea.

So, despite tolerances being such a seemingly minor aspect in machining, they are critical to the function of components in unison. At Cav Tool, respecting engineering tolerances defines quality in our machining services. Our punches die, buttons, fixtures, & retainers may be intermediate manufacturing components. Still, they are fabricated within precise tolerances so that our clients get the product they require.

Need some high-tolerance components for your manufacturing facility in Detroit, MI? Receive a free quotation on our fabrication services and send your detailed blueprints. We guarantee you complete process-controlled precision in our products!

Image of tool & die machine

When it comes to manufacturing, we are all familiar with the ‘measure twice and cut once’ saying. And also, another saying, ‘it is easier said than done’. Because there are so many moving parts in this line of work, it can be hard to measure, let alone get accurate measurements. This is why we at Cav Tool, serving Atlanta, GA, will be discussing the importance of Tolerances in manufacturing in this blog post.

So, First Thing’s First – What Is Tolerance?

This is defined as the range of measurements or other physical traits. Products are enabled to function properly or look appealing.

Need an example? We got you.

A good example can be a product that has geometric features, including holes and patterns. Now, this product is not yet ready. The manufacturer would need to determine certain tolerance levels before working on the product.

Why are Tolerances Important?

Just about every product out there has some feature that requires control. This can be done through tolerance measurements. In this post, we have compiled six main reasons that delineate the importance of tolerance measurements.

Fit and Functionality of Parts is Improvement

In making parts compatible with most other components, you will need to define your tolerances. Products can become useless and incompatible, even if you end up making an error of even the smallest mismeasurement.

Makes the End Product Look Appealing

If you want your products to look aesthetically appealing, you need to get your tolerances right. For instance, you want a part to sit up erect with another, you would need to consider the dimensions and positions of both.

Tolerance Takes Cake of Small Errors

Sure, these tolerances naturally assume small amounts of errors. But these assumptions only cover the extent to which the product or part can remain functional still.

With Tolerances, You Are Looking at Cost-Effective Manufacturing

With tolerances comes precision. You get to pay only for the materials, tools, and labor involved in the product design. All other costs are spared.

Product Marketing is Sped Up

While working the tolerances up can take some time, it will be worth your while when you finally go to market your product. Because when you are mismeasuring, you are wasting time; this, of course, is not the case when considering tolerances.

Reduce Manufacturing Ambiguity and Complexity

Not specifying what you need could lead to a manufacturer’s pandemonium –don’t worry, we just made it up that term. But any manufacturer can relate. But with tolerances figured out, you can avoid any and all ambiguity and product recall.

You can be a better judge of all-things tolerances by asking yourself:

  • If there are any moving parts
  • If there are multiple parts
  • If any assembly is required
  • If there are any special materials required

Cav Tool, serving Atlanta, GA, has retainers, punches, fixtures, reverse engineering, and tons of other high-quality products. Get started with us today, and we will take care of your needs.

Image of tools

A die can be defined as a machine tool for shaping material between two cutting edges. It is the most common machine tool, and many different types of dies can be used to develop different shapes in metal, plastic, or wood.

Die preparation is the foundation of any successful manufacturing process. The more efficient and detailed your die preparation, the easier it will be to manufacture a quality product on time and within budget.

If you want tools developed with efficient processes and the latest technology, then read on!

Here at CAV Tool, we consider the following four factors.

1) Customer Specifications

The first thing we consider when creating die details is the customer’s specifications. We will incorporate the customer’s requirements into our detailed drawings to ensure their needs are met precisely. We have a high-quality design team on hand who can help you through this process and provide you with more information about these services if required!

2) An Expert Engineering and Manufacturing Team

When creating die details, we work closely with the customer to achieve their desired outcome. Our team will often meet with our customers and discuss what they would like from us and how we can cater to their needs.

We take pride in having a highly skilled engineering team here at CAV Tools because this allows us to go above and beyond when developing specific tools for our clients’ needs!

This also ensures cost savings later on as there are fewer revisions or back and forth modifications after production begins. We can guarantee you’ll be pleased with your finished product since each step is carefully planned out beforehand!

3) A Variety of Die Details and 3D Applications

Our engineering team can design and build a variety of dies for our clients. Whether they need standard or complex features, we’ve got you covered! The process of designing and producing precision metal stamping tools requires precise measurements and calculations. This is not possible without the suitable 3D applications and availability of various die details.

4) Quality Die Maintenance 

We realize that die maintenance needs can vary depending on the application, so we’re happy to work with each customer’s specifications. We perform quality inspections throughout production by using in-house cameras and equipment and outside contractors when necessary. This ensures that every tool meets CAV Tool standards before being sent out into the world, where it will be used exclusively for your company’s applications – all while looking great too!

In short, CAV Tool has got all your manufacturing needs sorted in Atlanta, GA! We use our superior manufacturing services to give you the peace of mind necessary to create quality machining applications and products. Get a free custom quote now and enjoy quality manufacturing solutions for high-quality close tolerance products.

Image of man holding a measurement tool

There are many machinist tools available for every machining project. Only an ideal tool, on the other hand, can provide the greatest efficiency and productivity. Being a machinist entails having access to a variety of tools.

Most people would anticipate a single, all-in-one tool for this sort of work or something like a CNC in a machinist’s workshop. Different tasks require different tools. As a result, it’s essential to understand what machine tools are appropriate for each project type.

Cav Tool, your custom parts and jigs & fixtures provider will share the tiny players in our successful machining record.

1. Vernier Calipers

The caliper is an essential machinist tool that anyone interested in machining should have access to. It’s a machine tool used to measure the internal and external diameters of cross-sections, depth, and widths of parts. There are numerous types of calipers. Some even allow measurement reading using additional equipment such as a ruled scale, dial, or digital display. You may select between a dial and a digital caliper based on your needs.

2. Micrometer Screw Gauge

Beginners in the machine shop will require a micrometer. It’s not because they know how to use the tool, but rather because we all remember physics. It is known by various names, including micrometer screw gauge, and has a long history in measuring things precisely, such as diameters, thicknesses, and lengths at a small scale.

3. Combo Square Set

A combination square set is another handy tool that you should have in your arsenal. It’s a general tool that’s very useful for measuring angles and lengths when used in machining. Others think it’s great for verifying the shaft’s center and ensuring that it is straight.

4. Dial Indicator

Another machinist instrument utilized in many machining operations is the dial indicator. It has a dial display with clock hands for measuring tiny linear distances. A versatile piece of measuring equipment with multiple applications, the dial indicator can cater to deck clearance measuring, crankshaft thrust & vice calibration along the machining axis!

5. Deburring Tools

Burrs are tiny irregularities in a workpiece (surfaces, hole edges, corners of drill slots) most frequently found in drilled holes, corners, and small niches. Burrs are common wherever there is a cutting action in a lathe or milling machine. Where there’s a burr, a deburring tool becomes essential!

6. Centre Punch

Inexpensive. It is, however, an essential machine shop tool that you should have. They’re great for marking positions on pieces of work. As a result, the operator has no trouble determining the location for drilling and other operations with extreme precision.

7. Allen Wrench

Hexagonal bolts are quite a sight in machine workshops, and screwing the nut/bolts into place can be difficult without the right tool to apply the proper torque. Hex caps are powerful bolts with immense tensile strength per square inch. That makes them ideal for jig & fixture reinforcements.

Add a calculator, adjustable spanner, a vice, and a sharpie, and you have basic but essential tools all set up for your workshop. Believe it or not, these tools are highly integral to power machining methods such as ours at Cav Tool.

Our statistical process & CNC boasts would be impossible without the minute but critical contribution of these handy machining implements.

Get in touch with us for free estimates on our extensively precision-backed services and high tolerance products in Los Angeles, CA!

Custom cutting tools are a huge part of the manufacturing industry. With custom cutting tools, you will find it easier and faster to build custom parts day in and day out. To compete with your competitors in this niche, you need to have custom cutting tools that set you apart from the rest.

Custom cutting tools offer a variety of features that can be custom made to fit any requirement, but what are some custom cutting tool characteristics that really help you gain an edge over your competition? We’ve compiled a list of six custom cutting tool characteristics, and we’re going to break down each one for you.

1. Speed

 A good custom cutting tool should have enough power and precision to cut through metal quickly without damaging the material or leaving marks on the surface.

2. Accuracy

Accuracy consists of two components: repeatability and linearity, which means they both must exist for a custom cutting tool to be accurate. The components must be calibrated to create custom cutting tools that are accurate.

3. Precision

Precision is the third custom cutting tool characteristic, and it’s described as the ability of a custom cutter to make perfect measurements or cuts without difficulty. If your custom cutting tool is precise, it will be exact, and this is important because custom tools hold high tolerances.

4. Versatility

The fourth custom cutting tool characteristic is versatility, which describes how well suited your custom cutting tools are for helping you fulfill your custom part creation endeavors.

For example, you need to know if your custom tools will work with the plastic material used for custom parts. This is why understanding how well it performs under different circumstances is essential.

5. Custom Cutting Tool Material

Custom cutting tools can be custom designed for specific applications based on the specifications of your manufacturing needs. It’s essential to use high-quality materials and accurate custom tool dimensions that will adequately fit into custom shapes and forms without being damaged or compromising their integrity.

6. Custom Cutter Rotating Speeds

Custom cutter rotating speeds refer to how fast they’re spinning at any given moment. Custom rotating speeds are designed for custom applications and should be a custom fit for your machines.

Cav Tool offers premium, industrial-grade custom cutting tools to fulfill your manufacturing business requirements anywhere in Atlanta, GA. Our custom cutting tools are made from the highest quality materials and are available at very affordable prices! We have been manufacturing custom cutting tools since 1990, so we know what it takes to get the job done right.

We understand how important it is to find the right custom-cutting tools for your business so that you can maximize your efficiency and profitability. Get a free quote today!

Image of 6 custom cutting tools