Toolmakers who machine superhard materials like PCD or PCBN do so most efficiently with a two-step process: they start with roughing with a laser and finish with a high-end grinding machine. At least, that was our thinking, which we implemented with a groundbreaking development. The Neo is the ideal machine for the combination of enormous processing speed and perfect surface quality. This is underpinned by results from field tests, which also convinced the decision-makers at the US-based Shape-Master Tool Company and made them the first company in North America to invest in a Neo laser processing machine.
Many thanks to Don Spolum, CEO at Shape-Master Tool, who answered our questions for this interview.

Let's talk about the Neo. With this investment, you have chosen not only a machine, but also the combined process of laser roughing plus finishing on the grinding machine. Why?

"It has to do with our mindset. We are always looking for new ways to process customer orders quickly and efficiently. So if the combined process of laser roughing and grinding helps us reduce cycle times across the entire manufacturing process, that's very welcome. Cycle times are money."

That's why you chose the Neo laser processing machine?

"Exactly. Several times in the past, we were the first company to introduce the latest technology to our market. We constantly strive to improve our manufacturing processes to produce cutting tools of the highest quality."
 

Will you be machining other superhard materials with the Neo in addition to PCD?

"We manufacture tools from both PCD and PCBN. In this respect, we not only use the Neo for pre-machining PCD, in the meantime it also helps us with various PCBN applications. We are always open to learning and seeing new things. The more we know, the better our decisions are and the more efficiently we can produce. This benefits our customers."
 

Did Shape-Master have any concerns about the Neo before making the investment decision?

"No, actually we didn't. There was one point that we discussed critically at the time, and that was the manual operation of the machine. This makes perfect sense for small batches and for entering this new path of productive superhard machining. But when we are talking about batch sizes of several hundred tools, we can't avoid automation. Recognizing this - Agathon delivered the fully automated solution shortly after the purchase. Now we can exploit the full efficiency of the machine."
 

Now the Neo has already been productive for three years. How satisfied are you with it?

"We are very satisfied with the Neo. It runs extremely reliably and can be set up quickly. If there are deviations during automated loading, the image processing system makes the necessary corrections to obtain a uniform, reduced allowance of the soldered-on PKT tips. It's also fair to say that the Neo has gotten much better since we first set it up in production. Agathon has made some improvements in terms of ease of use."
 

How do you experience working with Agathon?

"Well, I think our history together speaks for itself. We had the first 350 Combi EcoDress and the first Evo Penta here in the US. We work well together and have a friendly relationship. But most important to us is the service and response times. Of course, there are other good machine builders on the market. But are they able to respond quickly when needed? Are they able to ensure that the machines are always ready for operation? Well, Agathon provides us with the service we need. We appreciate the cooperation very much."

Discover the variety of NEO in our application examples and download our flyer.

Shape-Master Tool Company

Shape-Master Tool Company is a leading manufacturer of polycrystalline cutting tools. The family-owned company has state-of-the-art, high-precision technologies and skilled technicians that maximize tooling manufacturing efficiency.

Read more: www.shapemastertool.com

Source | Agathon