New connected driven tool holder maximizes machine utilization rate

Coromant Capto® DTH Plus powered toolholders offer less machine downtime by enabling predictive maintenance

The introduction of a new dedicated tooling solution from Sandvik Coromant is designed to improve the utilization of lathes and multi-task machine tools based on tool revolvers equipped with driven toolholders. As part of the CoroPlus® digital machining offering, the Coromant Capto® DTH Plus solution minimizes costly downtime due to breakage by alerting the operator that service must be performed for an individual driven toolholder. This allows manufacturers to maximize machine tool productivity while also providing quick tool changes in applications where driven tools are used.

As a leading developer and supplier of metal cutting solutions, Sandvik Coromant introduces the new product to solve a common problem for many manufacturers - knowing the optimal time to perform service on their equipment while avoiding the risk of a toolholder breakage. Beyond a scheduled maintenance schedule, an operator may have a toolholder running in an environment where there is a risk of costly equipment damage, resulting in machine breakdowns and unplanned stops in production.

Developed to complement the Coromant Capto® quick-change tool concept from Sandvik Coromant, the new powered tool holder uses sensors to collect data and transmits it via Bluetooth, enabling predictive maintenance of the holder. Thanks to the quick-change functionality, the time an operator has to spend measuring, setting and changing tools is minimized. Also, because the powered toolholders are equipped with a Coromant Capto® coupling, the solution allows operators to use an extensive range of high-performance cutting tools.

The software application included in the new offering provides operators with real-time information - such as the vibration level of the holder - allowing live monitoring of the spindle, while also monitoring the temperature in the toolholder. Other data provided by the sensors include TPM and direction of rotation, minimizing the chances of exceeding driven toolholder limits, as well as current and historical information about a particular tool. Data is also offered on the location of a driven toolholder, including specific factory, machine name, turret and station number.

Mathias Tjomsland, Product Manager Digital Tools at Sandvik Coromant says, "Typically, maintenance on a powered tool holder is performed once or twice a year, depending on the level of use, but this does not take into account the actual maintenance needs of each individual holder. By providing real-time data, the Coromant Capto® DTH Plus offering allows the right decision to be made for scheduling a maintenance stop, ensuring that service is performed when it is truly needed and not simply because it is scheduled according to the maintenance interval. The result is that manufacturers can be confident that their powered toolholders are always in good condition and that their machine shop is operating with very high efficiency." 

For more information, visit https://www.sandvik.coromant.com/en-gb/products/coromant_capto/Pages/coromant-capto-plus.aspx