AISI Group Develops Online Bar Steel Machinability Estimator
04/16/2008 - AISI introduces a new tool developed by the Long Product Market Development Group that can help automotive engineers complete calculations on the machining productivity of carbon and alloy steels in carbide tooling applications.
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has introduced a new tool—the Bar Steel Machinability Estimator—that has been designed to help automotive engineers complete calculations on the machining productivity of carbon and alloy steels in carbide tooling applications. The tool allows engineers to compare the machining productivities of different steel grades and select which grades to use for designing parts to lower overall manufacturing costs.
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Long Product Market Development Group Member Companies:
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“Machining costs are 20 to 70% of the overall value of automotive parts,” said David Anderson, Director of the Long Products Market Development Group. “The Bar Steel Machinability Estimator offers OEMs and suppliers the ability to select optimal process parameters, which can assist in designing cost-effective parts."
The new Machinability Estimator was developed from 10 years of automotive steel data using the most up-to-date machining methodology, steels and technology. Users can input a steel composition and receive a relative machinability number or an estimated cutting speed for 30 minutes of tool life in surface feet per minute.
The Machinability Estimator builds on the Bar Steel Machinability Database, which is a detailed record of automotive bar steel machinability under single-point carbide turning conditions. It was developed from several years of controlled testing at eight different steel and automotive companies. Machinability tests were conducted on more than 30 significant industrial carbon, alloy, resulfurized and microalloyed steel grades using carbide tolls in a standardized single point turning test.
”The Machinability Estimator is the most progressive online resource available for machining productivity,” said Roger Joseph, Project Manager, Machinability Estimator and Machinability Database. “This online resource moves technology and information forward for today’s automotive industry. Tests are currently underway using coated carbide tools, and those test results will be incorporated into the Machinability Estimator upon completion.”
The Long Products Market Development Group, with the support of the American Iron and Steel Institute, is growing the market for value-added steel bar and rod products. With seven member companies and two task forces--Automotive/Heavy Equipment and Construction/Infrastructure--the group is committed to developing innovative solutions to the challenges facing their clients and the steel industry.
