Yes. NTM manufactures custom tooling using solid carbide, carbide-tipped and high-speed steel materials. Tools can be produced to customer prints and application requirements.
NTM services a wide range of cutting tools, including end mills, drills, reamers, taps, thread mills, gundrills, counterbores, spotfacers, engraving tools and specialty cutters.
Sharpening restores a worn cutting edge when the tool’s primary geometry is still intact. Grinding involves more extensive material removal and may be used to restore flutes, lands, forms or other damaged features.
There is no single schedule that applies to every tool. Tool material, application, cutting conditions, workpiece material and maintenance all affect tool life. Monitor part count, cutting time, surface finish, machine load, dimensions and edge condition to determine the right sharpening interval.
Common warning signs include:
- New burrs or declining surface finish
- Chatter, squealing or unusual vibration
- Rising spindle load
- Heat discoloration or blue chips
- Dimensional drift
- Frequent offset changes
- Rounded, chipped or cracked cutting edges
Tools should be evaluated before these symptoms develop into breakage or scrapped parts.
It can be. Sharpening is often worthwhile when the tool has significant replacement value and its geometry remains recoverable. Replacement may make more sense for low-cost tools, very small tools or tooling with severe damage. NTM can evaluate the tool and help determine the most practical option.
Many tools can be sharpened through multiple cycles, but the number depends on the tool’s geometry, condition, material and application tolerances. Pulling a tool before severe wear occurs helps preserve more material for future regrinds.
Yes, many tools can be recoated after sharpening. Regrinding removes coating from the cutting surfaces, so recoating may be recommended for abrasive, high-heat or performance-critical applications. Coatings improve a properly prepared tool, but they will not correct poor geometry, runout or underlying damage.
Yes. NU-Head™ service can repair damaged indexable boring bars from any manufacturer by replacing the damaged head and reusing the carbide shank when it remains serviceable.
Common causes include excessive overhang, inadequate setup rigidity, poor clamping, incorrect insert geometry and cutting parameters that create resonance. Starting with the shortest practical overhang and a rigid holder can resolve many chatter problems.
Stop the operation safely, inspect the tool and check the last part produced. Replace the damaged tool before continuing, then review feeds, entry strategy, vibration, coolant application and chip evacuation to identify the cause. Keep the damaged tool for evaluation.
Send NTM your drawing, specifications or completed custom tool request form. Include the tool dimensions, workpiece material, application and performance requirements so the team can evaluate the project.
Contact NTM at [email protected] or 763-780-1420 to discuss your tools and shipping instructions. Reusable NTM totes are also available to help collect and transport tools for sharpening.
Customers can order select products online or work with an NTM distributor. Use the distributor locator to find a partner near you.
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