How Pressure & Temperature Are Used To Alter Metals

Sometimes, traditional forming and melting methods can’t produce the exact parts or materials needed for a particular piece of equipment or structure. This is where powder metallurgy comes in. Isostatic pressing is a process that uses isostatic pressing equipment to apply a mixture of pressure and temperature to pulverize materials into powders. From these powders, super alloys can be made. We also see applications in the additive manufacturing sectors today.

How Isostatic Pressing Works

Using specially designed vessels made by an isostatic press manufacturer, a gas or liquid is utilized to apply pressure on powders placed in elastomeric molds. This compaction happens in hydrostatic conditions — meaning, the pressure, which ranges from 5,000 psi to above 100,000 psi, is applied uniformly throughout the metal powders contained in the mold. 

This process is also called cold isostatic pressing (CIP). It can be used to press a variety of powders — including metals, ceramics, and even plastics. 

CIP can be done either in a wet bag or a dry bag pressing operation. The former entails the use of independent molds. The molds containing the powder materials are submerged in the pressure vessel and removed once the pressing is done. The pressurized and compacted material will then be retrieved from the molds as a unified component. Often other processes are applied to harden or solidify the part being made.

In the dry bag process, the mold is already incorporated into the vessel itself. Instead of retrieving the part after pressing, a special mechanism will be responsible for ejecting the compacted powder from the pressing mold. This method is more efficient when the press is purposely built. 

When the isostatic pressing is performed at a high temperature (typically 2000°C), it is called hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The elevated temperature helps in removing porosity in the part being produced. As porosity decreases, density is effectively increased. This results in a part that has impeccable mechanical properties — one that can retain its shape long after initial pressure was applied. 

Because of these characteristics, HIP is used in various fields. Its application includes pressure sintering of powder often used to create parts for engine turbines and aircraft. Diffusion bonding (used in nuclear fuel assemblies) eliminates casting defects and micro shrinkage and repairs parts damaged by creep or fatigue. 

The Advantage of Isostatic Pressing

Unlike traditional uniaxial presses, isostatic pressing can produce parts that have high densities and typically complicated shapes. With the help of the right isostatic press manufacturer, engineers in various industries can design specific elastomeric molds to achieve the shape that they desire for a specific part. 

Hot isostatic pressing also guarantees the consistency of mechanical properties of the parts being manufactured. HIP improves a part’s impact and tensile strength as well as its ductility. 

Customers with a large or a complex compacting project can benefit from the cost-effectiveness that isostatic pressing provides. 

The Right Isostatic Press Manufacturer

Fluitron is a premier manufacturer of high quality pressure vessels, including isostatic presses, custom reactor vessels and high pressure gas compressors. Their selection of isostatic presses ranges from simple manual pressing machines to fully automated versions used by toll processors. 

Testing for Leaks in Pressure Vessels

If you need to contain gases or liquids at a pressure level higher than the ambient one, you need a high pressure vessel. These vessels are used in various industries, including petroleum refining, chemical processing, and boiler and storage tank manufacturing. 

One of the challenges encountered by facilities that use these vessels is material leakage. If there’s leakage, the pressure will decay, the gases will get contaminated, and the whole vessel will be at risk of becoming damaged. Leakes can also cause increased operational costs, decreased system efficiency, and heightened toxic emissions. 

To counter this issue, leak testing is done. And there are various ways in which a pressure vessel manufacturer can perform leak testing and ensure that their products are fit for service. Here are the seven most commonly used methods: 

Helium Leak Testing. In helium leak testing, this inert gas is used to pressurize the vessel. Then, a special device will be placed inside the vessel to trace and measure the size of leakage. Because this testing is more sensitive than most other methods, it can detect even if the size of the leakage is small. Only qualified helium leak testing services should be considered for this task.

Pressure Decay Testing. One of the most used leak tests, this method is done by using a pressure decay tester to pressurize the vessel with a non toxic gas (typically air). The gas inside the vessel is then tracked to check the amount of decay or pressure loss. From the elapsed time and the amount of decay, the leak rate can be calculated. 

Vacuum Decay Testing. In this test, a certain level of vacuum is achieved by removing all media within the vessel. Once the desired vacuum degree is attained, any increase in pressure will be monitored and recorded. Again, the amount of pressure increase, and the elapsed time will be used to determine the leak rate. 

Hydrostatic Testing. Like pressure decay testing, this technique subjects a high-pressure vessel into pressurization. However, instead of air, incompressible water will be used to pressurize the unit and subsequently determine the leak location and flow rate. Water is commonly used because it won’t impact the future functionality of the vessel. Companies that specialize in pressure vessel fabrication would most likely conduct hydrostatic testing on vessels they make for clients

Ultrasonic Testing. When there’s a pressure leak, the sound waves within the vessel are affected. Using this principle, this test involves sending ultrasound waves to the vessel. If these introduced waves are disrupted, it means that there’s a leak in the vessel. Professional personnel will estimate the leak’s location and its size. 

Radioisotope Testing. The media inside the vessel is combined with a radioisotope (e.g. Sodium-24, krypton-85). A special device is used to check if any of the radioisotope escapes the vessel. If any of the radioisotope being used has seeped out, it means that there’s a leak in the vessel. Though pricier than other tests, this type of test yields more accurate results. 

Dye Penetrant Testing. This test involves applying a white substance called a developer on one side of the vessel. A fluorescent dye is also applied on the opposite side. A vessel with a leak will enable the dye to penetrate and the wall, appearing on the side where a developer was applied. 

Types of Pressure Vessels: What You Need To Know

Useful in various applications, pressure vessels are enclosed containers designed to hold liquids and gases at a pressure level that's significantly different from that of its immediate environment. Quality pressure vessel fabrication is a must to ensure that these product containers can prevent product loss under extreme pressures without damage to product or system. 

In this article, you'll learn about the different types of pressure vessels.

Industrial applications for pressure vessels exist in the oil, fuel, pharmaceuticals & food and beverage industries. Depending on its use, a pressure vessel manufacturer makes different types of containers. Here are three main categories of pressure vessels according to their purpose: 

Process vessels. Found in high pressure compressors and other manufacturing facilities, the process vessel is a vital component tasked in handling gases and liquids at extreme pressure and temperatures. Each process vessel can feature different controls and fittings, depending on which part of the manufacturing process they're playing and system design. They're also commonly used along with other types of pressure vessels. Fluitron is a process tank manufacturer for laboratories. 

Storage vessels. As its name implies, this vessel is used to store gases and liquids for a period of time. These vessels come in different sizes and orientations (some are vertical cylinders while others are in horizontal positions). Depending on what needs to be stored, this container can have a closed top and open bottom, a coned bottom, or a flat bottom, among other configurations. They typically have a different inner lining material to safeguard the quality of the product they contain. 

Heat exchangers. Several industrial processes can't be completed safely and effectively because of the presence of heat. Heat exchangers are a type of pressure vessel used to transfer heat between fluids. They're used in various heating and cooling processes, and are commonly utilized by power generation stations, sewage facilities, and petroleum refineries. 

By Shape

Pressure vessels can also be grouped by shape. Most commonly, a pressure vessel can either be spherical or cylindrical. 

Spherical pressure vessels. If a vessel is being used for storing high-pressure liquids, the end-product of the pressure vessel fabrication process should be spherical in shape. Because of its shape, these spherical containers can facilitate the even distribution of stress on its surface, eliminating weak points that can cause leakage, contamination, or both. Compared to its cylindrical counterpart, a spherical pressure vessel is typically more costly to manufacture. 

Cylindrical pressure vessels. This type of pressure vessel is commonly used for storage purposes. However, unlike a sphere-shaped container, it has more weak points because of the uneven distribution of stress. To address this issue, manufacturers choose thicker metal materials for the final product to withstand the pressure. Another option is to make the end parts of the container hemispherical. 

Keep in mind that not just everyone can manufacture these vessels. First, the company should have valid accreditation and a qualified staff. They should manufacture according to the ASME standards for high quality pressure vessels. A custom reactor vessel for example is used to contain explosions and therefore needs to maintain its integrity during these explosions.

Hydrogen Compression Fundamentals: Here's What You Need To Know

Hydrogen gas compressors are used across several industries. From semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace application, energy production and hydrogen filling stations to businesses that utilize oil, gas, and pharmaceuticals. While there are different types of compressors, these high pressure vessels have one goal- to pressurize hydrogen gas and transform it into a more manageable liquid state. 

Hydrogen, in its gaseous state, is challenging to store primarily because of safety issues. A high-pressure equipment manufacturer can be instrumental in helping you recover, store and conserving hydrogen more securely and efficiently. 

Compressors vs Pumps

Both compressors and pumps contain high pressure vessels that are used to increase the pressure of different gases. Hermetically sealed compressors are more efficient because they minimize vapor loss. 

Nonetheless, some situations call for the use of pumps. Hydrogen compressor systems certainly lower the risk of leakage and preserve product purity more so than pumps. If your application requires high pressure gas compressors, it is wise to partner with a diaphragm compressor manufacturer that knows. 

The Different Types Of Compressors

There are different types of hydrogen compressors. Each can be used more advantageously over the other depending on the setting and application. 

Diaphragm Compressors. diaphragm compressor manufacturers make hydrogen compressors that are safe from both leakage and contamination. A diaphragm compressor is composed of three diaphragm membranes. These membranes flex once a gas that has previously entered the tank completes its down-stroke and rises. On the gas’ up-stroke, the area inside the chamber is decreased, which ultimately pushes the gas out of the compressor. The top membrane is connected with the gaseous hydrogen while the bottom membrane is in contact with the hydraulic oil. The central membrane facilitates leak detection. 

Reciprocating piston compressors: This device offered by high-pressure equipment manufacturers utilizes two cylinders. It has a motor with a linear drive that enables a piston to move back and forth. The larger one pushes a certain amount of hydrogen gas into the smaller cylinder. This causes an increase in the pressure of the gas. While they operate like other gas compressors, they are equipped with other components (e.g., special piston ring, special valve design) to further enhance their leak prevention abilities. 

Ionic compressors They work like reciprocating compressors. However, instead of a piston, nearly incompressible ionic liquids are used to compress the hydrogen — and it’s the motion of the liquid column that provides the pressure to the gas. Unlike other compressors, an ionic compressor doesn’t have seals and bearings. 

Rotary compressors This type of compressor has an elaborate system of gears, lobes, vanes, rollers, and screws. The rotating mechanism is responsible for compressing the hydrogen gas. One of the main issues with this device is its being prone to leakage. 

Centrifugal compressors These compressors are typically used when the flow of gas is high and the compression ratio is moderate. This device works by rotating a turbine at high speeds, which, in turn, compresses the gas. With a centrifugal compressor, denser liquid hydrogen can be produced. Compared with other compressors, they are seldomly used for hydrogen applications. 

The choice of compressors primarily depends on leakage, safety, and product purity. Other factors that need to be considered include reliability, required performance, and operational and maintenance among others.

Helium Gas Recovery: Here's How It is Done

Customization is born out of highly specific needs. With the rising scarcity of helium, the challenge now is for helium compressor manufacturers to devise ways to recapture, conserve, and recycle this precious resource. 

Helium: A Scarce Noble Gas

With its low boiling point and small atomic diameter, helium is a noble gas with wide-ranging industry applications. Today, it is used to detect leakage, cool down magnets in different equipment, and help facilitate cryogenic research, among others. 

However, it has limited availability (it’s derived from natural gas and is found in low concentrations), and it can quickly escape into the upper atmosphere. This — coupled with high demand — makes it even more scarce. To recover this gas cost-effectively, custom pressure vessels and other components are essential. 

The Right Compressor for Helium Conservation

While helium can be used for different applications, its innate characteristics make it more challenging to conserve. And the design of traditional compressors is not adequate to prevent helium leakage. 

To conserve a gas like helium, special features should be in place. For example, helium compressor manufacturers need special valves and gaskets to prevent helium — which has a low atomic size and viscosity — from escaping. Compressors should also have adhesive sealants as another leak-prevention measure. 

At each stage of compression, there’s a need for safety valves and precise sealants at those valves. This prevents helium from being expelled into the surrounding air. Instead, it is redirected to a priming chamber attached to the enclosed valves. 

The concern, however, it is not just about helium leaking into the atmosphere. External factors should also be prevented from contaminating the noble gas. As a countermeasure, manufacturers need to employ double-sealing compressors designed for helium compression. 

A Three-Stage Test

To guarantee that helium compressors will be effective in their job, manufacturers should also subject them to thorough a three stage test. This is a more extensive test compared to its conventional counterpart where static leak rate is the only statistic being measured. The goal of this is to evaluate and ensure that the compressor has sufficient gas tightness. 

In the test, overpressure is applied to the compressor containing helium. Then, it is submerged in water. If there are bubbles, it means that there is leakage. Afterward, the compressor will be subjected to a vacuum. This second stage (i.e., pressure-rise test) aims to ensure that no contaminants can enter the unit. 

The final stage involves a pressure-decay test. It measures the possible loss of helium at a given final pressure. 

Why Use Special Helium Compressors

With the help of specially designed compressors, manufacturers can guarantee the lowest possible helium gas loss. The purity of helium can also be safeguarded. 

These compressors are important because helium leakage can be quite costly. Find a custom pressure vessel manufacturer to conduct a helium leak test or hydrostatic pressure testing for your units. The scarcity of helium has only led to its rising price. Any preventable leak is considered a significant loss for any industry player that uses helium. 

Most high pressure compressors can have a longer lifespan when they are hermetically sealed. There are only a few high pressure equipment companies in PA that have the quality manufacturing for helium compressors.

Benefits of Using Local Partners for Industrial Supplies

If your work requires the use of precision tools, you should give attention to those that supply your tooling needs service your manufacturing equipment. As many job shops and part manufacturers are part of a longer supply chain, your tooling and industrial suppliers are part of your supply chain and these relationships can be nurtured and honed for mutual satisfaction. The tools that your equipment uses are central to your workmanship and your end users will measure you on quality workmanship.  Inferior tools will produce inferior quality products. Having a local partner as your manufacturing tools supplier will allow the representatives to visit your shop and take ownership in your success. Using a dot com supplier that is in another state or across the globe will inhibit that relationship to develop.

Flood Supply is a Norton Abrasives Distributor in PA among being a distributor for many other brands. As your partner, they can help keep your tool shop in good working order so that your team can keep your tools sharp. You may also need abrasives for the deburring and polishing processes of the parts you make.. Having a vendor that offers a larger range of products and work more as a consultant and keep an eye on inventory along with your very busy tool room personnel. A first-class abrasives distributer in PA can even come into your shop and train your team on the differences one abrasive offers over others.

You may also need to work with precision measuring instruments during the manufacturing, estimating and QC processes. Flood Supply is also Mitutoyo distributors in PA. Among other measuring tools, Mitutoyo offers a 12-inch digital caliper that is the gold standard gaining the highest degree of accuracy for measuring material thickness. Mitutoyo also makes the most advanced micrometers, calipers, indicators and other highly sensitive measurement tools. Your team at Flood Supply are highly experienced in each one of the measurement tools sold by Mitutoyo USA.

If you are a builder, mechanic, repair expert, or are in a related field, you need tools for several  applications. Whether you work on your own or you are part of a larger company it is imperative you establish a reputation for solid and dependable work. You can only be as good as the tools you work with, which is why you must align yourself with a vendor that can guide you to make the best choices for your business. That is what a good local partner will do for you.

The company you work with should be transparent from the start. They should tell you what they can and cannot supply. You should also be able to test the products you are interested in before placing a large order. For example, when considering CNC machine tooling from SGS, the vendor you work with should tell you up front with the total cost and credibility of that brand. There should be no surprises once you have placed your order. A good industrial supply company in PA will stand behind every product they represent.

The company you order your abrasives and measurement tools from should also provide extensive service and solid guarantees. If you have ordered some of the latest measurement tools on the market, it is right for you or your people to be trained on how to best use them. You should also receive careful instructions on how to best use the abrasives you have received. It is essential that you know all about the products you buy so that you do not misuse or underuse them. We believe Flood Supply can be that manufacturing supplies distributor that you can count on.

High-End Machinists and Fabricators Still Need the Basics

While you may have heard plenty about the latest high-end cutting tools and CNC features of the newest equipment, it can be easy to forget about the basics. Machinists and fabricators need a solid toolkit to handle any project, so review these basic tools today to see if you’re missing a must-have item. Shop for the measuring tools, abrasive wheels and hand tools you will need from your local CNC cutting tools distributor to stay ahead in your industry.

Measuring Tools

Take some time to review your measuring tools. There are plenty of high-quality micrometers out there, so be sure you have one that fits your most common tasks. Here are some other measuring tools that fabricators and machinists should have on hand:

•        Combination and double squares

•        Dial test indicator

•        Precision Calipers

•        Edge finders

Look for at least six-inch calipers. For many projects, twelve-inch ones are even better. Multiple edge finders help you align your machine head. Without the right size of edge finder, you may not benefit from the accuracy you need.

Machinery

While everyone’s talking about the best lathe and mill tooling, it’s important to remember to build on a reliable foundation. A quality lathe and milling machine is going to help you deliver the results that make your work stand out. Whether you’re operating your own shop or in charge of buying for your company, consider the specifications you need in the milling machines and lathes in your operation.

Hand and Power Tools

A tool box full of the right hand and power tools helps you finish off your machining or fabrication projects. These right tools are also great if you experience any maintenance issues with your milling machine or CNC lathe. Your hand tool list will change depending on the type of machining you’re doing, but here are some basics you’ll want to keep on hand:

•        Ball-peen, soft and brass hammers

•        Phillips and flathead screwdrivers

•        Metric and SAE hex key sets

•        Grinding wheel

•        Belt sander

•        Deburring wheel

•        Automatic center punch

Look for metalworking tools in PA, an abrasive products distributor or custom die sets supplier in PA tht is willing to consult with you about the best brands and models for any of these essential tools. Every machinist should have these on hand.

Gauges and Extras

Magnets, tap and die sets, files and gauges are all must-haves for precision performance. There are dozens of gauge styles and sizes, so invest in the right ones based on your typical projects initially. Eventually you can add to your tooling kit as your needs develop over time.

Get Back to the Basics

Machists will need in their arsenal end mill for hardened steel that can cut through tough material. Fabricators will all need to add and remove V dies and Gooseneck dies if they are running a press brake. Any Manufacturing supply company in PA that consults with clients can guide you once you share the equipment make and model number with him. Don’t get caught without these essentials, whether you’re just getting started as a fabricator or you’re an experienced machinist.

Milling Machine Operations Require Precision Tools

To succeed and prosper in your machine shop, you must build a good reputation. As a company that specializes in precision manufacturing, maintaining tight tolerances are key to you maintaining that good reputation. Yours is a tough business with many rivals and competitors. You must find an advantage and keep it. And this can only be done by having the right precision cutting and finishing tools. 

Milling machine operations are at the heart of advanced manufacturing. This process uses CNC controls that often combine many different milling operations at once and multiple cutting tools are used to remove material from your stock material so that it can be shaped and milled according to a very specific design. 

For over three generations, Flood Industrial Supply has provided high-quality precision manufacturing supplies in PA. This family owned and operated company has a solid history of helping small businesses and trade professionals throughout the state improve their craft and workmanship. 

The company continues to offer the best cutting and CNC milling tools and other Industrial equipment supplies in PA, including some of these top brands: 

Carmex Precision Tools

Tungaloy Tools

Gesswein Endmills and Drill Bits

Brubaker Tools

Kurt Manufacturing

Kyocera Precision Tools

Whether you are working with metal, plastic or wood, you will need precision tools that help you get the job done right the first time. The latest cutting tools from Kyocera Corporation have set a new standard for performance cutting tools. Kyocera SGS Precision Tools are some of the finest for milling machine operations on the market today. As a CNC cutting tools distributor in Pennsylvania, we have worked with many different manufacturers and find the Kyocera brand to be top notch.

The longer you are in the manufacturing business the more machining tool suppliers you have encountered. You are bound to come across a job that is highly complex, and it may be hard for you to figure out the tools you need to tackle it. The industrial supply company you partner with should be able to provide you the advice and insight you need when making these critical decisions. Your partner should have a great deal of institutional knowledge from multiple tooling manufacturers and not be limited to one brand. There has got to be at least 10 different manufacturers that make micro tools for swiss machining and another 10 for triple fluted end mills for your milling machine. The experts at Flood Supply look forward to earning your trust as a valuable source of knowledge from multiple vendors.

Remaining competitive in the precision manufacturing business rests on a series of decisions. Which clients you will pursue, which projects you will undertake, and which suppliers you will rely on. The last of these is just as essential as the other two. To complete quality jobs, you must work with reliable tools and parts suppliers. When you work with Flood as your manufacturing supply company, you can be certain of working with a partner.

Benefits of Building Bridges Using Steel

Building a new bridge is no minor undertaking. It requires enormous investment and extensive planning. You will need to make a series of decisions that will determine the outcome and success of the project. The material of the bridge is one of the most important things you will need to decide. Most bridge builders go with steel. 

Why Use Steel

Steel is the most common elements used in bridges in the United States and around the world. It is used in long-span, highway, railroad, and foot bridges. Steel has versatility, durability, sustainability, and its cost effectiveness make it a great option for builders. Steel also has the following economic and environmental benefits: 

-Lower construction costs compared to engineered materials

-It can be easily recycled

-Highly adaptable to various climates and geographic conditions

-Faster construction times

-Requires relatively less energy to make steel structures

If you are planning to build a bridge, you want to use materials that offers the best return on your investment. One of the best advantages of using steel is its stability and lighter weight when manufacturers into bridge trusses. This fact reduces the cost of the other structures that support them. In places where the ground is unstable, the use of steel is especially beneficial. 

When building a bridge, you must also adhere to existing environmental and sustainability laws. Steel makes it easy to so. Most steel can be reused once the bridge has been decommissioned. Old steel bridges can also be repurposed for use in other locales. 

Steel is also an attractive option because it can be painted and polished to look attractive. Many artistic and ornamental structures are fashioned out of steel. Steel is the best material to use if you want to construct a bridge that is both a practical structure and a work of art. 

Getting the Right Supplies

To build a steel bridge, your contractors must have the right metalworking tools and welding supplies. Colburn Supply is a company that has built a solid reputation for providing steel workers and tradesmen the tools, devices, and equipment they need to complete their task. 

Bridges are essential arteries in America. They not only help the people in specific locales get to and from their homes and places of work, they also are critical for the logistics that moves products from manufacturing to end users. There can be no faults, errors, or shortcomings when engineering a bridge. There are a set of standards that must be adhered to for a bridge contractor. Building inspectors are commissioned to hold the project to these sets of standards. Contractors must acquire and maintain the steel working licenses issued by certain governing entities before they can be allowed to work on bridges.

The assembly of a steel bridge occurs on locations and therefore steel workers come to reply on power tools like magnetic drills from Hougen, welding supplies from Colburn and other metalworking tools suppliers. Nothing contributes more to delays and cost overruns than equipment that does not work or breaks down under tough conditions. So working with right industrial supply company that takes great pride in delivering world-class metalworking tools is very important.

High-End Machinists and Fabricators Still Need the Basics

While you may have heard plenty about the latest high-end cutting tools and CNC features of the newest equipment, it can be easy to forget about the basics. Machinists and fabricators need a solid toolkit to handle any project, so review these basic tools today to see if you’re missing a must-have item. Shop for the measuring tools, abrasive wheels and hand tools you will need from your local CNC cutting tools distributor to stay ahead in your industry.

Measuring Tools

Take some time to review your measuring tools. There are plenty of high-quality micrometers out there, so be sure you have one that fits your most common tasks. Here are some other measuring tools that fabricators and machinists should have on hand:

  • Combination and double squares

  • Dial test indicator

  • Precision Calipers

  • Edge finders

Look for at least six-inch calipers. For many projects, twelve-inch ones are even better. Multiple edge finders help you align your machine head. Without the right size of edge finder, you may not benefit from the accuracy you need.

Machinery

While everyone’s talking about the best lathe and mill tooling, it’s important to remember to build on a reliable foundation. A quality lathe and milling machine is going to help you deliver the results that make your work stand out. Whether you’re operating your own shop or in charge of buying for your company, consider the specifications you need in the milling machines and lathes in your operation.

Hand and Power Tools

A tool box full of the right hand and power tools helps you finish off your machining or fabrication projects. These right tools are also great if you experience any maintenance issues with your milling machine or CNC lathe. Your hand tool list will change depending on the type of machining you’re doing, but here are some basics you’ll want to keep on hand:

  • Ball-peen, soft and brass hammers

  • Phillips and flathead screwdrivers

  • Metric and SAE hex key sets

  • Grinding wheel

  • Belt sander

  • Deburring wheel

  • Automatic center punch

Look for an industrial supply company in PA  of CNC cutting tools distributor willing to consult with you about the best brands and models for any of these essential tools. Every machinist should have these on hand.

Gauges and Extras

Magnets, tap and die sets, files and gauges are all must-haves for precision performance. There are dozens of gauge styles and sizes, so invest in the right ones based on your typical projects initially. Eventually you can add to your tooling kit as your needs develop over time.

Get Back to the Basics

If you are working on a CNC Press Brake and metal forming machine, then investigate what is the correct press brake tooling for sale that you will need to add and remove V dies and Gooseneck dies. Any Manufacturing supply company in PA that consults with clients can guide you once you share the equipment make and model number with him. Don’t get caught without these essentials, whether you’re just getting started as a fabricator or you’re an experienced machinist.

Milling Tools That Make the Machinist

The right milling tools can make all the difference. If you’re unhappy with walking drills, inefficient chip loads or damaged tooling, it’s time to pick up the milling tools that can make you a better machinist. Check out a number of manufacturing suppliers and distributors to better compare the dynamic milling tools today to see how you can improve your machining process.

Custom Tool Holders

Without the right tool holder, you’ll never reach the level of precision and tool lifespan you want. Solid end mill holders reduce the loss of concentricity, while drill chucks make it easy to swap out tools quickly. Pick up a variety of tool holders or order a customized component to fit your machine and your tools.

Reamers and Taps

Even the best drills can’t always give you the finished look you need. Finish off that brass, aluminum, Inconel or stainless steel workpiece with taps and reamers. Whether you need threads or a smooth bore, these tools are crucial for creating a completed piece.

Twist and Center-Spotting Drills

Compare drill bits from an industrial tool supply company to find the best drills for your machining application. If your tool holder alone isn’t preventing walking, use a center-spotting drill. Be sure to choose high speed steel or solid carbide twist drills that are designed for your workpiece material.

Mills

Milling is an essential part of many machining processes, so invest in a quality set of machining tools and indexable end mills to perform the job. Here are the basic types of mills you may need on the job:

  • Slot mills

  • Face mills

  • Side mills

  • Plunge mills

  • End mills

Face mills typically come with removable cutters that can be sharpened with an abrasive belt. This not only improves the lifespan of your mill but also allows you to customize it for different applications. An abrasives products distributor can help you choose the right belt and stones for your tool sharpening needs. Using the right mill is key to keeping your machines, tooling and workpieces at the cutting edge of machining precision.

Fly Cutters

Create a vibrant surface finish with a fly cutter. This machining tool supplier in PA can share with you expert advice about fly cutters. A good fly cutter can also polish and smooth the surface material to a great finish. The clockwise rotations of this small tool helps create the finish you need.

Choose Quality Milling Tools To Improve Your Machining

Don’t let a missing tool hold you back from high quality machining. Whether you’re the owner of your own shop or creating precision components for a large, local business, find the tools you need at a reliable manufacturing industrial supply company. Prepare your equipment for your next project to keep your workpieces at the forefront of your industry.

Indexable Cutting Tools That Machinists Love

Professional machinists know that using the best tools is imperative to achieving quality results. You can’t expect to see a quality product when you’re using low quality equipment. Across most sectors, cutting is an integral function of industrial machinery, and choosing the right cutting tools can be just as difficult as it is important. This is especially true when dealing with computer numeric control machinery. Fabricating products with precision rely on your use of the right tools for your equipment.

Versatility and Precision Combined

When choosing a cutting component for your platform, you need to take into account the material characteristics of the metal or substrate you are working with. You also need to think of factors such as cut size, depth and hardness of the substrate—not all cutting tools are compatible with the CNC cutting equipment you might be using. A reputable SGS tools distributor will sell cutting tools that can handle any of the following materials:

  • Metal Alloys

  • Plastics

  • Composites

  • Wood

  • MDF

  • Aluminum

Versatility is key when it comes to choosing the best cutting tool. Just as important as versatility is precision. So if you are using micro tools for swiss machining for example, the swiss screw machines should be fully equipped with properly calibrated firmware and software for precision cutting.

Best Indexable Tools for CNC Machinery

You have two choices when you’re shopping for CNC cutting tools: solid and indexable. Indexable cutters feature a steel exterior that can accommodate a range of carbide inserts. Solid cutters, by contrast, necessitated that the entire cutter be removed in order to sharpen it. Still, not all indexable tools are created equal. So what are the top indexable cutting tools sold by a CNC cutting tools distributor?

  • Fly cutters: This tool creates an impeccably clean surface by moving across and rotating clockwise

  • Face mills: Creating a flat area is easy with this tool when its rotating blades are applied to a surface

  • End mills: End mills are ideal for cutting away large portions of material in one fell swoop with their cutting flutes

Flood Supply provides CNC machine tooling from SGS Tools, (now part of Kyocera Precision Tools) as well as 10 other machining tool suppliers serving the metal forming industry. If you are looking for a manufacturing supply company to help you get the best ROI on your tool investments, please visit https://www.floodsupply.com/ today.

Partner With an Industrial Supplier Who Goes to Work For You

Running an effective business model requires the help of many hands. We know that your inventory of industrial supplies plays a critical role in the productivity and profit of your business. If you count on tools, parts, and other materials to stay up and running, you need to pick a supplier who goes to work for you. Look for a supplier willing to earn your business by doing the following three things.

1. Personalized Service

You work hard to stand-out in your industry. Like you, find a supplier that values uniqueness. Whatever your niche, your supplier should be willing to customize the restocking process to be most efficient for your model. Whether you make a one-time purchase of metalworking tools or need cleaning supplies stocked daily, the right industrial supply partner would want to work one-on-one to make your experience the best it can be. To create loyal customers, an industrial supply company in PA must dive into understanding your business and how they can help you succeed. This would include learning your ordering preferences, the way you like to receive inventory and being able to anticipate future needs.

2. Transparency

In any industry, mistakes can happen. Industrial supply companies worth your time should be accountable and accept responsibility. Honesty, even when it costs you money is a novelty in todays environment. When we can admit our mistakes and jump on the chance to fix errors if they occur, we set ourselves apart from those that are always pointing fingers. Many companies sell industrial supplies like milling machine fluids and indexable end mills. Who wants to do business with a company that does not accept responsibility for their errors.

3. Industrial Supplies from the Experts 

In today's environment, working with knowledgeable, highly trained individuals that truly knows the various metalworking tools used in a typical job shop are hard to come by. Most large companies like Grainger or MSC employ customer service agents that are just punching a timeclock and working a database. Colburn Supply has a knowledgeable staff of experts that will invest time to learn about the products most important to their clients and stay up on stocking challenges and pricing fluctuations.

We know there are many industrial supply companies vying for a chance to work with you. We show we on the latest industry know how. Contact us today to partner with an industrial supplier who will go to work for you.