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Loading of aluminium onto fettling tools

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Nadimuthu

Mechanical
Joined
Apr 5, 2002
Messages
31
Location
DE
We are using TC(Tungsten carbide)burrs for finishing work(fettling)on our castings using pneumatic grinders.
We find that there is loading(sticking onto the tools)of Aluminium which results in tool wear, excessive force used on grinder and therefore premature failure of the pneumatic tools.
We are using machine coolant oil for the burrs.Will diesel reduce loading characterstic or can you suggest better alternatives to these problems?
1.Avoid loading of Al onto the TC burr
2.Avoid overloading of the pneumatic grinder
3.Increase life of pneumatic grinders.

 
I am not sure that switching lubricants will help to prevent galling of aluminium on the TC burr. Tool hardness is not the issue, you need a sharp edge to remove the soft aluminum metal. I have head that silicon carbide tooling is better for aluminium castings.

 
I've had good luck using candle wax. Frequently touch the warm carbide burr on the candle to cover it with wax. This also works to keep sanding discs from loading up.

Candle wax works fine for small jobs. I'm sure there are better lubricants and methods for production applications.
 
There is a product developed by Boeing called Boelube that should work. It is available on the net.
 
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