Hardcore Drill Boosts Output At Young Touchstone
Stellram has developed a drilling tool design, which has boosted productivity and has reduced costs at Young Touchstone, a manufacturer of industrial heat exchangers. Stellram Hardcore technology has transformed a machining operation at the company's plant in Tennessee, US, by doubling the average number of holes achieved per drill and delivering a 59 per cent saving on tool costs. Young Touchstone, part of Wabtec Corporation, turned to Stellram for help on its project, which involved drilling approximately 1,000 holes, 13mm x 16mm deep, in 1,018 CR steel plates used for a variety of cooling applications. Patrick Cann, ATI Stellram's solid carbide specialist, said: 'The challenge was to identify areas for improvement that would help increase productivity and decrease tool costs. 'Under the existing operation, the drill cost per hole was high and tool life varied greatly. 'The Stellram product development team recommended the use of Hardcore technology drills as par...