Kennametal Inc, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been named a winner of a 2023 R&D 100 Award for its new additively manufactured toolholder developed for machining large engine and transmission housings. Made using Kennametal’s KENionicTM technology, the tool is 50% lighter than conventional tooling and is reported to reduce machining time by around 50%.
“This is an outstanding example of our industry-leading expertise in materials science, precision machining, bionics-inspired design and additive manufacturing that fuels Kennametal’s innovation,” shared Dr Carlonda Reilly, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. “We welcome opportunities to leverage our core capabilities to continuously innovate for our customers and are thrilled our KENionic technology has been recognized with this award.”
Developed to produce machine precision components for transportation applications, KENionic technology is part of a new class of additively manufactured tools that feature a design that mimics the most effective and efficient organic shape adaptations found in nature.
The light-weighted PBF-LB steel cutter body enables easier tooling changes, as well as more rapid acceleration and deceleration in use. The AM route also allows multiple channels to feed coolant exactly where it is most effective.
The dimensional stability of the additive manufacturing process is such that, when combined with the finish machining of the insert pockets and the cutting inserts’ own tolerance levels, very tight machined component tolerances are achieved.
For more information: Kennametal Inc.
Image: The PBF-LB steel cutter body enables easier tooling changes. The AM design also allows multiple channels to feed coolant exactly where it is most effective (Courtesy Kennametal)
