There will always be a small discrepancy between the actual pitch of a specific tap and the machine’s synchronized movement. 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. 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. 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. SynchroFlex |
West Building, Level 3 — 431258 — Tooling & Workholding
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Brush Research
North Building, Level 3 — 237148 — Abrasive Machining/Sawing/Finishing
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Blue Photon Technology & Workholding Systems LLC
West Building, Level 3 — 431446 — Tooling & Workholding
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GMN USA
North Building, Level 3 — 237065 — Abrasive Machining/Sawing/Finishing
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Jergens
West Building, Level 3 — 432154 — Tooling & Workholding
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MAQ
Pratt Burnerd America-Atlas Workholding
West Building, Level 3 — 431384 — Tooling & Workholding
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Widin
Taking place from September 9-14 in Chicago, IMTS is the premier platform for exploring the latest advancements in manufacturing technology. As you plan your visit, make sure to stop by the booths of the following JMI-represented companies.
Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect to learn about in each to these booths!
Achteck America Inc.

Achteck offers both indexable and solid carbide tools designed for turning, milling, drilling, and grooving across materials such as steel, stainless steel, heat-resistant alloys, and more.
With an extensive inventory maintained in Michigan, Achteck stands out for their competitive pricing and ability to meet the needs of both general-purpose and specialized machining tasks, including Swiss tool, heavy-duty turning, and railway wheel turning. Their innovative grooving inserts, milling cutters, and solid carbide drills are perfect for those looking to enhance their productivity and precision in manufacturing operations.
AB Tools, Inc.

As the home of the renowned Shear Hog®, AB Tools specializes in a range of innovative solutions including indexable dovetails, O-ring grooving tools, keyseat cutters, and precision firearms tooling. With an impressive turnaround time of just 5-6 workdays for custom specials, AB Tools ensures you get exactly what you need, when you need it.
Blue Photon Workholding

Whether you're working with hard-to-hold, easily distorted, or brittle parts, Blue Photon’s technology is the perfect fit, especially for applications in milling, turning, grinding, and more. Their system is ideal for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, medical machining, and optics. Plus, with the ability to integrate zero-point systems, you can automate your workholding processes with unmatched precision.
BRM
Brush Research Manufacturing

Known for their Flex-Hone Tools and abrasive brushes, BRM's products are essential for achieving superior surface quality in a wide range of applications. Whether you're working with metals, composites, or other materials, BRM offers tools that enhance performance and extend the life of your components
GMN USA

Whether you’re involved in aerospace, automotive, or any other field requiring top-notch machining capabilities, GMN’s products can enhance your production efficiency and quality.
Jergens, Inc.

Additionally, check out their Tooling Columns, which provide robust and flexible workholding options to maximize machine output. Don’t miss the opportunity to get a demo on the Jergens Ball Lock® Mounting System, a quick-change solution that drastically reduces setup times, allowing for fast and repeatable fixture changes.
Masa Tool's Microconic system

This cutting-edge system is ideal for holding workpieces ranging from Ø0.15mm to 10mm (Ø0.006" to 0.390") in any machine with a collet-type chuck.
The Microconic™ system consists of two major components: the Microconic™ cartridge, which replaces standard collets such as 5C, TF15, TF16, TF20, TF25, or TF37 in your CNC machine spindle, and the Microconic™ collet, which fits seamlessly into the Microconic™ cartridge. This setup ensures micron-level accuracy and repeatability, making it perfect for industries that require extreme precision, such as medical devices, aerospace, and watchmaking.
Pratt Burnerd America-Atlas Workholding

Tapmatic

Tapmatic is best known for their high-performance tapping heads, which are engineered to reduce cycle times, enhance thread quality, and significantly extend tool life. But that's not all—Tapmatic also offers cutting-edge tools like the Scribewriter for precise marking, the DeBurr-Z tool for efficient deburring, and the TapWriter Dot Peen Marking tool for robust and permanent part marking. Whether you're in need of tapping solutions or advanced marking and deburring tools, Tapmatic has the expertise and products to elevate your production capabilities.
In an industry where precision and efficiency is paramount, MAQ has positioned themselves at the forefront of machining technology. Ahmed Bousmina, Mechanical Engineer at MAQ, sheds light on how the company is revolutionizing the machining process with its innovative tooling solutions, particularly focusing on turning tool holders equipped with proprietary dampening technology to combat harmful vibrations during machining.
Innovating for efficiency and flexibility
At the heart of MAQ’s product line are the turning tool holders, designed to accommodate a range of operational lengths and diameters, ensuring versatility for various machining tasks. “Our tools are categorized to simplify selection for our customers, focusing on the diameter and operational length rather than the total length of the tool, which is often irrelevant to the buyer,” Ahmed explains. This user-centric approach underscores MAQ’s commitment to providing solutions that genuinely meet the needs of operators and manufacturing professionals.
Cutting-edge dampening technology
What truly sets MAQ apart is the integration of dampening technology within their tool holders. This innovation significantly reduces vibrations that can compromise machining quality, allowing for smoother operations and higher precision. “We’ve divided our products into four main sections based on the tool’s diameter and the stick-out length, offering unparalleled performance across a wide range of specifications,” Ahmed says.
Carbide reinforced and steel options
When going into detail on the distinction between carbide-reinforced (CR) and full steel tool holders, Ahmed highlights how material choice is pivotal when machining at various lengths. “For longer tools where bending moments become a concern, carbide reinforcement on the tool’s back end ensures rigidity and optimal performance,” he noted. This nuanced understanding of material properties and machining dynamics is a testament to MAQ’s expertise and innovation in tool design.
Modular and monoblock configurations
MAQ offers tools in both modular and monoblock configurations, catering to different machining requirements. The modular system provides flexibility, allowing for head changes to accommodate various machining processes without the need for multiple tools. On the other hand, monoblock tools offer a rigid, integrated solution for specific applications. “This versatility ensures that our customers can achieve the best results with minimal tool changeover time,” Ahmed adds.
Future directions and market expansion
Looking ahead, MMAQ is focused on expanding its product range to provide for even more specialized needs. Already today, MAQ offers the widest range of products on the market, with the smallest tool measuring 6mm, and the largest up to 80mm in the standard range, while the capabilities span up to 350 millimeters in diameter and 5,5 meters in length. The technology is scalable, which enables everything from medical components requiring miniature precision to large-scale parts in the oil and gas or defense sectors. This, ensuring that MAQ’s technology is versatile enough to meet a broad spectrum of industry demands. Looking to the future, the goal is to expand the product range even more, to meet an even wider number of industries. “Our aim is to simplify machining worldwide, making it more efficient, precise, and cost-effective for our clients,” Ahmed concluded.
With a relentless pursuit of innovation and a keen eye on the evolving needs of the machining industry, MAQ is not just a tool manufacturer – but a partner in machining excellence, paving the way for future advancements in the field.
To produce the sleeve, which is about "2 long, Haskel machines the part from 13/16" diameter aluminum bar stock. The sleeve is then put on a conventional drilling machine, where an operator drills two series of holes around the sleeve. One series has 1/8" holes, while the other has 3/32" holes.
During the drilling process, burrs are produced along the inside diameter of the sleeve. If these burrs remain, the pump can be damaged. For instance, a spool slides back and forth like a piston with O-rings inside the sleeve to open and close the holes. During this cycling action, a loose burr can cause excessive wear on the O-rings.
After drilling, the sleeve is taken to a workstation where an operator uses ano-burr tool to put an edge break on each one he holes. Even after this step, very small burrs still remain lodged inside the sleeve.
In the past, Haskel sent the sleeves to an outside vendor where the minute burrs were removed in an entirely manual operation - a costly and time consuming process. After the deburring, the sleeves were then returned to the plant for as- sembly.
Increase Efficiency
At this point, the operator places a pan of kerosene beneath the hone and loads the pan with the sleeves, which become lubricated. At the same time, the drill motor is activated, rotating the hone at about 100 pm. The operator then lifts a sleeve to the revolving hone and makes five or six passes. Inside the sleeve, a spring-like action causes the tool to knock out any burrs remaining in the holes.The parts are then ready for burnishing.
With an annual production of 10,000 - 20,000 sleeves, the company uses two or three hones per standardorder of2,500 parts. For Haskel, the Flex-Hone® tool provides better quality control and cost savings, paying back the cost of the system many times over.
The company now saves 40% of the total cost of producing the part as opposed to jobbing the work out.
If you would like more information, please contact one of the people on our team to test a Flexhone.
This new system can also be perfectly combined with the WhizHip and WhizIn Toolholders from WhizCut all prepared for internal high pressure coolant. With these toolholders the perfect angle for optimal coolant is given the coolant shoots directly between the forming chip and the cutting edge.
We know all machines and applications are different so contact us to get the setup that suits your machine and application the best.
WhizHip Features
- Flexible: WhizHip is designed with flexible, hard wearing stainless steel braided hoses - bendable with quick change couplings and adjustable nozzles.
- Heat resistant: the hoses are designed to withstand heat from hot chips shooting from the material.
- Time saving: connect the hoses to the quick change coupling without using any other tools.
- Exact: the high pressure coolant is led through the toolholder and exits with precisely directed jets.
- Great chip control: high pressure controls and breaks the chip thanks to its concentration at the cutting edge.
- Ready: WhizHip and WhizIn toolholders are all prepared for internal high pressure coolant
What sets the DeBurr-Z apart is its exceptional versatility. Floating in both compression and extension, this tool enables the cutting tool to adeptly trace the top or underside edges of the workpiece. This proves to be particularly advantageous in situations where these edges are not clearly defined, as often encountered with castings and cross holes. The DeBurr-Z takes versatility to a new level, allowing for precise deburring regardless of the intricacies of the workpiece.
Fine-tuning the DeBurr-Z's performance is a breeze. With a simple turn of the knurled sleeve, operators gain the ability to adjust the force applied during the deburring process. This flexibility empowers users to increase or decrease pressure based on the material being machined and the desired edge break, all achieved without the hassle of disassembly or changing springs.
USE AS AN ENGRAVING TOOL

The DeBurr-Z not only contributes to precision but also enhances the lifespan of cutting tools. Thanks to its adjustable compression force, it aids in prolonging the life of cutting tools, simultaneously speeding up the machining process by enabling faster approach feed rates. This dual benefit significantly boosts overall efficiency and reduces production time, aligning with the demands of modern manufacturing.
The DeBurr-Z CNC Deburring Tool with Compression and Extension Float is another revolutionary addition to the CNC machining landscape from Tapmatic. Its ability to float in compression and extension, coupled with adjustable force and compatibility with a variety of cutting tools, positions it as a versatile and indispensable tool for precision deburring and chamfering applications. With the DeBurr-Z, Tapmatic continues to set the standard for innovation in the CNC machining industry.
Enter the B-Safe X System from Balance Systems, a true game-changer in machine tool monitoring. This innovative solution offers manufacturers a powerful tool to achieve the highest levels of precision and efficiency, reducing downtime, minimizing tool wear, and ultimately elevating the quality of your machining operations.
The Need for Precision in Machining
The B-Safe X System is much more than just monitoring; it's a comprehensive, state-of-the-art system designed to transform the machining process. The integration of different kind of vibration sensors guarantees a complete signals analysis on a wide frequency range. The presence of a microprocessor with integrated memory allows local detection and memorisation of collision phenomena, unbalances, overloads, anomalies of the working cycle, tools wear and bearings diagnostics.
The always-connected B-Safe HMI is a software that allows interaction multiple sensors at the same time and is available in different languages and layouts. It can be installed on PCs or machine tools control panels that run Microsoft Windows 7, 8.x or 10.

B-Safe X System Key Features
- Fingerprint: The Fingerprint option is a B-Safe application intended for condition monitoring of machine tool and machine tool spindle based on vibration analysis; it is a valuable tool for preventive maintenance. Anomalies and wear become visible. The option records the vibration signal (RMS and FFT) in a good condition status and uses this signal to create a reference mask. This mask is used during the lifetime of the machine to check its status, comparing the vibration generated with the reference mask. Total RMS is used to have a simple and fast comparison between measures. FFTanalysis can be used to carry out further investigations.
- B-Safe Cloud: The B-Safe Cloud is the online evolution of B-Safe X System, which allows you to remotely supervise all B-Safe sensors installed on your machine tools and monitoring their productivity status. Through the B-safe Cloud App you can personalise the alerts that can be received via SMS, e-mail or push notification on smartphones. Moreover, it is possible to access the wide range of B-Safe fea- tures. To access B-Safe Cloud data a dedicated web portal and the B-Safe Cloud App (for both iOS and Android devices) are available.
- Events: The advantage of the events session is to review at your spindle history by browsing all the essential items, including alarms, warnings, check-up notes and power status through an intuitive infographic.
- In the case of collision, the system will allow you to examine in greater detail the waveform in the 4 seconds before and 1 second after the event, highlighting the malfunction factors.
- Increased Efficiency: By maintaining optimal balance, the B-Safe X System significantly reduces vibration-related issues and extends the lifespan of tools. This translates to reduced downtime, enhanced efficiency, and ultimately, cost savings for manufacturers.
Unlocking the Potential of Precision Machining
Balance Systems has taken a giant leap forward with the B-Safe X System, providing manufacturers with an invaluable tool to achieve unparalleled levels of precision in machining. As we look to the future of precision machining, innovations like the B-Safe X System will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the industry and driving excellence in manufacturing.
However, many manufacturers have found great benefits in 3+2-axis manufacturing techniques, using the rotational axes to reduce setup time. This approach can provide a firm foundation for highly automated machine cells such as the ones I found at Clippard Manufacturing, a Cincinnati-based valve manufacturer and machine shop.
Moving to Five Axes
The company’s first foray into heavy automation was in its fleet of 20 Swiss-type lathes, which found success working lights-out. Using this success, Manufacturing Engineer Alex Werdman convinced the company to invest in a five-axis Haas UMC 500 SS with a 16-station pallet changer to perform work that had been done on three-axis mills. The company made this investment with the intention of developing lights-out processes for the machine cell, but getting to that point meant investing in more than just the machine tool.
One of the major draws of a five-axis machine was the ability to dramatically reduce setup time by machining multiple faces of parts in a single setup. According to Werdman, the move to the five-axis Haas made the jump to high-mix medical work much easier. “Being able to reach more faces of the part reduced the setup time for secondary operations by a lot,” he says. “Jobs that took 45 minutes per part on a three-axis were down to 27 minutes.” CNC Programmer Kyle Shearer agrees, saying, “I might touch a part 17 times before and only four times now.” However, this strategy relied on workholding that provided the cutting tool as much access to the part’s faces as possible.
At first, Clippard considered using dovetails, but after a conversation with Jergens representatives and distributors, the company opted for vises with modular jaws. “We thought we would have to use dovetails,” Werdman says, “but the vise has enough grip force and clearance to meet our needs.”
“There are a lot of modular jaws that work right out of the box,” Shearer says. “And if we need a specific shape, we can machine our own jaws pretty easily.” While machining jaws takes time, it is still a major time saver compared to machining a dovetail into every single part for that job.
The vise is also self-centering to make it easier to consistently set up the workpiece for a job, and its jaws feature a quick-change design with no need for tightening. The jaw base connects to the top jaws using a spring system and a wedgeshaped mount. The combination of the spring and wedge pulls the top jaws down and back, firmly locking them into place and creating a highly rigid connection.
As far as Werdman was concerned, the benefits of the vise were clear. “It provided three things: faster setup, better clearance, larger options,” he says.
Lights-Out Milling
“We still need the CMM for paperwork,” Werdman says, but ensuring the machine tool is operating at its best at all times is still necessary for unattended machining.

And did this work pay off? “The Haas proved that five-axis machines were worth it,” Werdman says. “We could get 50 hours a month on the three-axis mills, and with fiveaxis we get 200-300 hours.”
The success of the Haas spurred Clippard to invest further in five-axis machining with a Matsuura MAM72-35V, intended to both increase the volume of parts the company could produce lights-out and improve the precision of its fiveaxis machining.
The Matsuura came standard with a 32-station pallet changer in a condensed footprint, dramatically increasing the capacity for lights-out machining. Like the Haas, it regularly puts in over 200 hours of machining time, mostly performing 3+2-axis machining. It can also pursue more aggressive machining strategies while maintaining the finish needed, as it can maintain a tolerance of ±0.0005 inches.
Despite being one of the major benefits of five-axis machining, this kind of dramatic increase in capacity and production speed is often overlooked by machine shops. Not all fiveaxis machines produce near-net shapes or large contours, and shops like Clippard have found great success thanks to careful consideration of the machine cell as a whole.
“The people in charge needed convincing,” Shearer says, “but once they saw how much more we could get done and how quickly we could do it, they were on board.”
JMI CNC Tooling & Automation Appointed Exclusive Manufacturers Representatives for Achteck America
1/9/2024
This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for both JMI CNC Tooling & Automation and Achteck Tool Technology Co., Ltd., as it combines the strengths of two industry powerhouses to deliver cutting-edge solutions to the manufacturing sector.
Achteck Tool Technology Co., Ltd., known for its innovation and precision in tool manufacturing, has selected JMI CNC Tooling & Automation as the exclusive representative for their products in the the Southeastern United States. This collaboration aims to enhance accessibility and technical support to Achteck's advanced tooling solutions, providing manufacturers with state-of-the-art technologies to optimize their machining processes.
"We are honored and excited to be appointed as the exclusive manufacturers representatives for Achteck Tool Technology," said Kenneth Jones, President at JMI CNC Tooling & Automation. "This partnership aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing our customers with the latest and most advanced tools in the CNC and automation industry. Achteck's reputation for quality and innovation perfectly complements our mission."

As exclusive representatives, JMI CNC Tooling & Automation will play a pivotal role in introducing Achteck's cutting-edge products in the U.S. market, offering comprehensive support and expertise to manufacturers seeking to elevate their machining capabilities.
This collaboration signifies a shared commitment to driving innovation and excellence within the CNC tooling and automation industry. Manufacturers can expect to benefit from an expanded range of solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall machining performance.
JMI CNC Tooling & Automation, also known as, Jones Marketing Inc. is a leading provider of CNC tooling and automation solutions. With a commitment to excellence, JMI delivers cutting-edge products and unparalleled service to industrial distributor and machine tool builders and dealers and manufacturers across various industries.
About Achteck America
Achteck Tool Technology Co., Ltd. is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-performance cutting tools. With a focus on innovation and precision, Achteck delivers advanced solutions that meet the evolving needs of the machining industry.
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