​Cross-hole deburring is a common process in industries like aerospace, automotive, and hydraulics. Burrs in cross-drilled holes can obstruct fluid flow, compromise dimensional tolerances, and pose safety risks. Traditional manual deburring methods are often labor-intensive and inconsistent, leading manufacturers to seek more efficient solutions.

The Flex-Hone® tool by Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM) offers an effective alternative. This flexible honing tool is designed to remove burrs from cross-drilled holes while simultaneously improving surface finish. Its self-centering and self-aligning features make it adaptable to various bore sizes, and it can be used with CNC machines, lathes, mills, and handheld drills. The tool's low-pressure, low-temperature abrading process ensures that the base metal's structure remains intact, preserving dimensional tolerances.​

For optimal results, it's recommended to use a slightly oversized Flex-Hone® tool relative to the bore diameter. This allows the tool to effectively reach and deburr the intersections of cross-drilled holes. It's also important to use a high-quality honing oil, such as BRM's Flex-Hone® oil which helps prevent tool loading and maintains cutting efficiency. A recommended practice is to rotate the tool clockwise during initial strokes, then reverse the spindle and continue in the opposite direction. This technique promotes a symmetrical deburring pattern and prevents burrs from folding back into the cross-hole.​

Implementing the Flex-Hone® tool in automated processes enhances consistency and reduces cycle times. By integrating this tool into existing CNC setups, shops can achieve high-quality deburring without the need for additional specialized equipment. This approach not only improves product quality but also contributes to cost savings and increased production efficiency.​

Check out this demonstration of the Flex-Hone® tool in action in the below video.

For more information or a demonstration in your shop contact us here at JMI CNC & Automation!

by Bernard Martin

MAQ AB has introduced its new Rotational Fine Boring Tools, engineered for fine boring with exceptional precision, surface finish, and ease of operation. In this article, we're going to explore the key features, benefits, and applications of this new technology.

What Is Rotational Fine Boring?
​Rotational fine boring is a precision machining process commonly performed on milling machines, where the tool rotates while the workpiece remains stationary. This method is ideal for achieving high-accuracy hole dimensions and surface finishes.

However, as the tool’s length-to-diameter ratio (L/D) exceeds 3, vibrations become a significant challenge, demanding tools equipped with advanced vibration-dampening technology.

Unlike conventional turning tools with straight shanks, MAQ’s Rotational Fine Boring Tools are specifically designed to pair seamlessly with milling tool backends, which vary in their L/D ratios and vibration frequencies.

​Thanks to MAQ’s STMD (Self-Tuning Mass Damper) technology, these tools adapt dynamically to a broader range of vibration frequencies, delivering unmatched precision, stability, and reliability, even in complex machining tasks.
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MAQ’s latest tools boast a range of advanced features that set them apart -

• Self-Balancing Mechanism – Integrated technology minimizes vibration and ensures exceptional stability, even at rotational speeds up to 20,000 RPM. This results in smoother, more reliable cutting and reduced tool wear.
• Fine Adjustability – Precision adjustments in micron increments (0.001 mm) enable tight tolerances as precise as IT7—or even IT6—making these tools ideal for high-accuracy operations.
• Compatibility – Designed for use with standard toolholders  like CAT, BT & HSK, these tools integrate seamlessly into existing CNC machine setups without additional investments.
• Length-to-Diameter (L/D) Ratios Up to 7xD – The tools are capable of handling operations with extended length-to-diameter ratios while maintaining superior vibration control.
• Exchangeable Cutter Heads – These tools offer the versatility of forward and back boring operations, adapting effortlessly to your machining requirements.
• Coolant-Through Design – Integrated coolant channels flush away chips, cool the workpiece, and extend the lifespan of cutting inserts, improving performance and reducing downtime.
• Surface Finish Excellence – Cutting-edge design and vibration control deliver exceptional surface quality, often eliminating the need for secondary finishing operations.

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We’re excited to launch the first batch of Rotational Fine Boring Tools, available in six models (CK1 to CK6). These tools cover a wide range of applications, allowing you to achieve precision-perfect holes in sizes ranging from 20 mm to 150 mm. Whether you’re working on a simple project or a complex machining task, MAQ tools provide the accuracy and efficiency you need to elevate your operations.
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The MAQ Rotational Fine Boring Tools offer unmatched benefits that make them essential for high-precision machining:

• Precision Performance -  Achieve consistent, micron-level tolerances for critical components such as engine blocks, hydraulic valves, and bearing housings.
• Enhanced Productivity -  High-speed operation (up to 20,000 RPM) and reduced setup times deliver faster cycle times and increased throughput.
• Superior Vibration Control -  The self-balancing mechanism minimizes vibration, improving tool life, machine wear, and performance stability.
• Cost Efficiency - By delivering superior surface finishes, these tools reduce or eliminate secondary finishing operations like polishing and grinding.
• Extended Tool Life - Optimized cutting geometry and balance reduce cutting edge wear, ensuring a longer lifespan and lowering overall production costs.
• Maximum Flexibility - With L/D ratios up to 7xD and exchangeable cutter heads, these tools are versatile enough to tackle the most complex boring operations.

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​Versatility at Your Fingertips
MAQ’s Rotational Fine Boring Tools are designed to deliver flexibility without compromise. The exchangeable cutter heads support both forward and back boring operations, adapting to a variety of machining needs. The coolant-through feature further enhances their functionality, improving chip evacuation, cooling the workpiece, and prolonging insert life—all essential for maintaining peak performance in high-demand environments.

With the launch of the CK1 to CK6 series, MAQ has raised the bar in  fine boring technology, offering precision, efficiency, and versatility in one robust solution. Whether you’re working with aerospace components, automotive parts, or general precision engineering tasks, these tools will help you achieve exceptional results—faster, easier, and with greater reliability.

Upgrade your boring operations with MAQ Rotational Fine Boring Tools and experience the next level of precision machining. Contact JMI CNC & Automation today to learn more about how these innovative tools can transform your workflow!

Despite operating at elevated rotational speeds, the MAQ devibe holder effectively minimizes vibration, thanks to its integrated self-balancing mechanism and advanced STMD (Self-Tuning Mass Damper) technology.

This is particularly significant because it highlights how MAQ's tools overcome common challenges associated with extended length-to-diameter ratios (L/D), delivering superior surface finishes and achieving micron-level tolerances.

For manufacturing sectors requiring extreme precision, such as aerospace and automotive, this performance represents a major leap forward in efficiency and reliability, reducing rework and eliminating the need for secondary operations.

Machining Picatinny rails is notoriously challenging due to their strict specifications, complex dovetail profiles, and the high precision required. Traditionally, multiple passes with different tools are needed, which increases machining time and creates potential for inconsistencies as tools wear at different rates.

AB Tool's solid carbide Picatinny Rail Cutters provide an innovative solution to these challenges, dramatically reducing time and improving accuracy.

A Legacy of Innovation
The original AB Tool Picatinny Rail Cutter was officially released in February 2014. Before its release, AB Tool had produced many custom rail cutters to meet unique customer requirements. However, a conversation with Ken Spaulding @zodiaceng led to a breakthrough

“Why don’t you guys just make a standard cutter from the 1913 mil-std?”

AB Tool they accepted the challenge.  According to Alfred Lyon at AB Tool, after extensive learning and testing, they designed a standardized geometry that matches the military specification mean dimensions, saving machinists time while delivering outstanding aesthetics and precision.

Why Machining Picatinny Rails is Difficult
Picatinny rails are heavily utilized in defense, firearms, and optics industries due to their standardized dovetail geometry, which allows for mounting accessories securely. However, achieving these precise dimensions can be labor-intensive. Machinists often face:

• Multiple Operations: Traditional methods require multiple passes with separate tools, increasing cycle times.
• Tool Wear and Inconsistency: Separate tools wear at different rates, which can cause deviations from the required profile.
• Complex Geometry: The shallow dovetail profile demands accuracy, particularly on the rail slots, to maintain compatibility with mounted components.

AB Tool’s Game-Changing Solution
AB Tool's solid carbide Picatinny Rail Cutters address these challenges head-on:

1. Reduced Operations - These cutters can reduce the number of operations by as many as six passes, streamlining the production process.
2. Consistent Precision - By matching the mean dimensions of the 1913 military standard, these tools ensure consistent results without the variability caused by tool wear.
3. Durabilit -  Made from solid carbide with a shallow helix, these cutters exhibit superior wear resistance, maintaining sharpness and accuracy over extended use.
4. Standardized Versatility - The rail cutters are available in various diameters and flute quantities, allowing manufacturers to select the ideal tool for their needs.

Real-World Performance
Machinists have praised AB Tool’s cutters for their time-saving benefits and reliability. On forums like Practical Machinist, users note significant production gains. One machinist  reported:  “Investing in an AB Tool Picatinny rail cutter tripled production instantly.” 

AB Tool’s Picatinny Rail Cutters evolved from years of experience and collaboration. These tools solve the common challenges of machining Picatinny rails by reducing operations, improving consistency, and optimizing efficiency. Their adherence to the 1913 mil-spec and solid carbide durability make them the go to solution for anyone making Picatinny rails.
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For more information and to explore available options, visit JMI CNC & Automation or AB Tool’s product catalog.

JMI CNC & Automation is excited to announce a new partnership with AKKO Tooling Systems, a global leader in precision-engineered CNC toolholders and cutting tools. This partnership brings AKKO’s innovative and high-quality products to JMI’s customers, enhancing machining capabilities across industries with reliable, performance-driven solutions.

Founded in 1986, AKKO Tooling Systems has grown into a renowned manufacturer, delivering exceptional rotary toolholders, turning and milling toolholders, and a comprehensive range of precision inserts.

AKKO also sets itself apart with an extensive range of carbide grades tailored for different applications. While many tooling manufacturers limit themselves to a handful of carbide substrates, AKKO offers both high-performance grades and wear-resistant grades, allowing them to be more competitive and meet diverse machining needs.

Their advanced solutions include:

• Rotary Toolholders – Ensuring optimal balance and rigidity for high-precision drilling, reaming, and milling applications.
• Toolholders for Turning & Milling – Designed to minimize vibration and deliver superior surface finishes in turning and milling operations.
• Precision Inserts – AKKO offers a wide variety of inserts, including grooving, broaching, thread milling, whirling, valve seat inserts, and ISO inserts, delivering exceptional accuracy and performance for a variety of machining tasks.

“AKKO’s ability to provide a variety of carbide grades gives our customers the flexibility to optimize performance for specific applications, whether it’s high-speed, high-precision, or wear resistance,” said Kenneth Jones, President of JMI CNC & Automation.

“This unique advantage, combined with their exceptional product range, allows AKKO to stand out as a versatile and competitive solution for the modern machining industry.” continued Jones. 

For more information about AKKO Tooling Systems and the solutions now available through JMI CNC & Automation, visit our AKKO landing page or contact us for a on-site demonstration to test some tools!

EWS announced some significant enhancements to their BMT65 tool lineup. All BMT65 tools are now equipped with a new flexible coupling and EWS.Techline, aiming to boost performance and service life. 

The flexible coupling is designed to compensate for misalignment, allowing a maximum radial offset of 0.3 mm between the driven tool and the machine drive. Its mechanism operates similarly to the Oldham principle, with the coupling joint swiveling in one axis and sliding into the groove of the drive in the second plane. Additionally, an elastomer support ring is incorporated to reduce vibrations and noise, contributing to a more efficient and quieter operation.

EWS.TechLine is a suite of advanced technologies integrated into EWS's tooling systems to enhance performance, durability, and efficiency. This comprehensive package includes several key innovations including:

• EWS.HPC-Line -  A ceramic-based sealing technology capable of handling coolant pressures up to 70 bar at speeds up to 12,000 rpm, with unrestricted dry-running capability. 
• EWS.Polygon-Joint -  A polygonal shaft-hub connection that allows for up to 30% more torque transmission compared to traditional connections, enhancing impact and fracture resistance. 
• EWS.Butterfly-Seal -  A revolutionary sealing technology featuring a triad of front labyrinth, special sealing elastomer, and preload ring, providing maximum protection against coolant and particle ingress while reducing operating temperatures by up to 50%. 
• EWS.Coolant Management - A universal system that allows for easy adjustment of external coolant outlets, enabling individual flow adjustments with just one turn, available in both axial and radial versions.
  
  

By incorporating these technologies, EWS.TechLine aims to provide machinists with tooling solutions that offer superior performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

O.M.G. offers a wide range of Angle Heads. With more than 110 models and almost 4000 if we consider all the possible options, what O.M.G. has is the most wide range on the market today.

O.M.G.'s TA angle heads are designed to provide CNC operators with greater flexibility and precision, particularly in operations requiring machining at various angles.

The TA series angle heads are essential tools for increasing the capabilities of CNC machines, offering an great solution for complex milling, drilling, tapping, and other tasks that might otherwise require multiple setups or custom fixtures.

The TA series angle heads from OMG are meticulously crafted with precision bearings, Gleason bevel gears, and heat-treated kinematics, ensuring maximum rigidity and accuracy in demanding machining operations.

These heads incorporate cutting-edge innovations, such as the newly designed anti-rotating group, which eliminates angular backlash, ensuring precise and stable performance.  The "anti-rotating group" refers to a mechanical feature in the OMG TA angle heads that prevents unwanted rotational movement between components. This group of components is engineered to eliminate angular backlash, which is the small, undesired movement or play between parts when the direction of motion changes. In precision machining, angular backlash can lead to inaccuracies in positioning and alignment, so eliminating it is crucial for maintaining high precision.

By incorporating an anti-rotating mechanism, the angle head can maintain its set orientation during high-torque or high-speed operations, resulting in greater stability and accuracy. This is especially important in applications where maintaining precise angles and positioning is critical for producing consistent, high-quality machined parts.

It's important because this is what allows the TA angle heads to deliver speeds of up to 10,000 rpm—unmatched by competitive models in the same category.

The design of the TA angle heads benefits from over sixty years of OMG’s expertise, coupled with advanced computerized systems, which has driven innovation in construction materials, heat treatments, and mechanical processes. This combination of experience and technology guarantees precision, robustness, and superior finishing, making the TA series a top performer in any machining environment.

What sets the TA series apart is the range and versatility it offers. The series includes 90° single-spindle heads, 90° double-spindle heads, variable angle heads ranging from +90° to -90°, fixed angle heads, and heads with tool center coolant supply. For specialized applications where standard heads aren't suitable, OMG also offers custom-designed angular heads to meet specific machining needs.

These features make the TA angle heads a reliable choice for any machine tool, offering a unique blend of performance, durability, and precision for modern machining challenges.

The O.M.G. TA series includes a wide range of angle heads designed for various applications, offering precision, durability, and flexibility. Whether for drilling, milling, or tapping, these models provide specialized solutions to meet the demands of modern CNC machining environments:

• TA..PA Series: Designed for drilling and tapping in tight spaces, the PA series offers compact heads suitable for intricate operations.
  
  
• TA..PD Series: Known for its ability to handle drilling operations, the PD series features robust construction for tough materials and extended tool life.
  
  
• TA Standard Series: This versatile model is ideal for general-purpose machining, offering a balance of size and performance for a wide range of materials.
• TA2P Series: With its dual spindle design, the TA2P series is tailored for simultaneous multi-spindle operations, increasing efficiency in drilling and tapping tasks.
• TAL Series: Specifically designed for light machining tasks, the TAL series excels in applications where lower torque and compact dimensions are required.
• TAO Series: The TAO model is optimized for operations with fixed spindles, providing excellent precision in high-speed machining applications.
• TAR Series: Built for robust machining, the TAR series offers higher torque, making it ideal for heavy-duty drilling and milling operations in tougher materials.
• TA-SW Swiveling Series: For applications that require machining at multiple angles, the TA-SW series features a swiveling head, offering flexibility for complex geometries in a single setup.
• TA-T Tapping Series: Tailored specifically for precision tapping, the TA-T series is designed to handle thread cutting with accuracy and repeatability, even in demanding applications.

Each of these angle heads offers unique features that cater to specific machining tasks, providing flexibility and efficiency for operators looking to maximize their CNC capabilities.

Maintenance and Serviceability
Another important feature of the TA angle heads is their serviceability. These heads are designed to be easily maintained, with accessible components that allow for straightforward disassembly when needed. Regular maintenance ensures the longevity of the product and helps avoid downtime, a critical factor in high-volume production environments.

Practical Considerations in the Field
In practice, the O.M.G. TA angle heads have proven to be valuable additions to a range of CNC setups. The machinists we talk to often praise their ease of use, particularly when transitioning between different angles or operations. The reduced need for multiple machine setups translates into higher efficiency on the shop floor, while the compact nature of the design ensures that there’s minimal interference with the machine’s existing operations.

Cleveland OH – Jergens introduces its new Washdown Tool, a clever device that provides 360 degrees of spray using coolant flow to wash away chips from exposed surfaces.

The in-between-processes tool is programmed inline (as with any standard tool) after a predetermined number of machining cycles. The Washdown tool provides thorough chip removal from the many exposed surfaces inside the machining area. In turn, this saves time for operators by reducing the time spent cleaning chips from a machine interior, workpiece, or workholding setup.

The unit uses multiple spray nozzles on its circumference, providing a steady and pressurized stream. Each nozzle can be plugged or opened to create customized spray patterns. Added spindle rotation ensures that coolant reaches virtually everywhere inside the machine.

​Residing in the tool changer, and programmed just as any other, the Jergens Washdown Tool is deployed periodically at scheduled intervals. This automation shortens cleaning time and supports long machining cycles, even lights out manufacturing periods when no operator is present.

“Any aspect of the machining process, even something as simple as cleaning chips, that can be made more systematic and repeatable will allow for greater productivity and reduced scrap”, said Mike Antos, Jergens Workholding Product Manager. “The washdown tool is another way of helping them (customers) achieve that”, continued Antos.

Successful tapping applications depend on several important factors. These can include axial compensation on CNC machines, internal coolant supply, and special advantages related to self-reversing tapping attachments, according to Mark Johnson, president of Tapmatic Corp., Post Falls, Idaho. “Rigid or synchronized tapping on CNC machines has become an industry standard,” he said. “Even though the synchronization of the machine’s feed advance to the spindle rotation is accurate, there will always be a small discrepancy between the actual pitch of a specific tap and the machine’s synchronized movement.”

Using a completely solid holder means that even a very small discrepancy will cause high axial forces on the flanks of the threads. “This has a negative effect on tap life and thread quality,” said Johnson. “Using a tap holder with a small amount of axial compensation allows the tap to better follow its pitch and this reduces the axial forces for a dramatic improvement in tap life and thread quality.” 

Tapmatic’s SynchroFlex tap holders include a machined flexure that provides a small amount of axial compensation. “The SynchroFlex flexures have a high spring rate, which is important for avoiding axial miscutting,” he said. “If the spring force is too soft, like in the case of traditional tension-compression tap holders with a large amount of axial compensation, axial miscutting can occur. This is especially true when using free-cutting, high-speed taps often recommended for synchronized or rigid tapping cycles. SynchroFlex is designed to provide just the right amount of compensation for synchronized tapping.”

A SynchroFlex II SFT50 performing synchronized tapping with M8 on a CNC lathe with live tooling uses a self-reversing tapping attachment at 2,500 rpm to tap ten M8 holes in 11 seconds. (Provided by Tapmatic)Lubrication is important for tapping in general and especially for roll form tapping. “Using a tap holder with internal coolant capability allows the use of taps with either an axial coolant hole for blind holes, or radial coolant holes for through hole applications,” said Johnson. “This gets the coolant where it is needed for the cutting or forming of the threads. It also greatly helps with clearing chips out of the hole when using cutting taps.”

Tapmatic’s SynchroFlex tap holders all include a balanced, high-pressure internal coolant system. Pressure up to 80 bar or 1,200 psi can be used and because the system is balanced, the coolant pressure does not influence the tap holders axial compensation.
Self-reversing tapping attachments offer special advantages compared to synchronized tapping. “With synchronized tapping, because the machine spindle needs to stop and reverse within a very limited number of revolutions, it is not possible for the machine to maintain the programmed spindle speed. Using a self-reversing tapping attachment allows the machine spindle to turn continuously in one direction at the actual program speed. The result is a shorter cycle time,” said Johnson.
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For example, in one test using rigid tapping to tap ten M8 holes at 2,500 rpm, cycle time was 18 seconds. Repeating the same test at 4,000 rpm saved just one second. Using a self-reversing tapping attachment at 2,500 rpm to tap the same ten M8 holes took just 11 seconds. “In addition to improving cycle time, using a self-reversing tapping attachment also allows the tap to run at the recommended speed, and this provides longer tap life as well,” said Johnson.

Modern CNC machines have the capability of synchronizing the spindle rotation to match the feed advance for a specific tap pitch. The "Rigid" or synchronized tapping cycle is very accurate, but it is impossible to avoid small discrepancies between the machine synchronization and the actual pitch of the specific tap being used. Using a rigid tap holder means that any deviation at all increases the thrust forces acting on the tap and this dramatically reduces tap life.

At the heart of SynchroFlex® is a precisely machined flexure which provides axial and radial compensation for the unavoidable discrepancy between the machine feed advance and the actual tap pitch. By compensating for this error, the thrust forces acting on the tap are dramatically reduced.The result is the longest possible tap life, 100% improvement or more, and much better quality threads.
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SynchroFlex® II with increased flow rates for high pressure internal coolant.
Tapmatic's 80 bar, balanced, internal coolant system is included in all SynchroFlex tap holders and our system does not influence the axial compensation forces.The holders may be used with or without internal coolant.

​JMI CNC Tooling & Automation is proud to announce the participation of our esteemed principals at IMTS 2024 in Chicago.

​This premier manufacturing technology show, which runs from September 9-14, 2024, will feature innovations and products from leading companies represented by JMI, including Achteck, BRM Brush Research, Blue Photon Workholding, GMN Spindles, Jergens Workholding, MAQ Devibe Tooling, Pratt Burnerd America, and Widen Cutting Tools.

These industry leaders will showcase their latest advancements and solutions, highlighting their commitment to excellence and innovation in the CNC tooling and automation sectors.

Achteck is one of the world's fast growing manufacturers of carbide cutting tools, friction materials, wear resistant items, and civil engineering products.

Brush Research Manufacturing is a leading American manufacturer of premium quality power brushes, twisted-in-wire brushes, and the BRM Flex-Hone Tool. Focused on creating solutions for metal surface finishing, deburring, cleaning and polishing, Brush Research sells products domestically as well as exports products to a global network of distributors.

Blue Photon’s patented workholding products are a manufacturer’s solution to hold parts for tight-tolerance machining and inspection. Blue Photon designs and manufacturers grip technology for complex-shaped, and hard-to-hold parts. Blue Photon grippers are easily installed into fixtures to grip and support the part without the use of mechanical clamps.

GMN USA is the North American Spindle Sales and Service Center for GMN Paul Mueller Industries, a world-wide supplier of high-speed machine tool spindles, high precision bearings, clutches and seals

Jergens Inc is a global manufacturing leader of CNC machining custom workholding products. Today, you'll find their vises, clamps & fixturing systems, tooling components, at work in just about every segment of the metalcutting industry on every continent. And our innovative engineered solutions like the patented Ball Lock®️ Mounting System and Fixture-Pro®️ 5-axis workholding have changed the way manufacturers worldwide think about metalworking productivity.

Pratt Burnerd America is in the business of supplying quality workholding products for CNC Lathes and turning machines throughout North America. They have one of the largest varieties of rotary workholding products in the world, with Power Chucks, Manual Chucks, Collet Chucks, Collets, Special Chucks, Rotating Cylinders, and Workholding Accessories.