Small-Caliber Gun Barrel Processing Cell

April 09, 2021
Small-Caliber Gun Barrel Processing Cell Incorporates Drilling, Reaming, Rifling

Absolute Machine Tools’ extensive offering of machine tools and automation systems includes machines specifically engineered for drilling, reaming and rifling of small-caliber gun barrels. Sold under the Precihole brand name, the machines can be combined into processing cells that enable a manufacturer to efficiently drill, ream, and rifle as many as 20,000 small-caliber firearm barrels a month. 

A cell is typically composed of three machines. First, Precihole’s four-spindle gun drilling machine permits deep drilling of four barrels simultaneously. An open machine configuration facilitates robot access, minimizing operator involvement and supporting 24/7 operation. Depending on individual model configuration, the machine can drill IDs from 0.04" to 1.57" and barrel stock from 0.4" - 4.0" OD.

Next in the process is a 2-spindle pull-reaming machine that features automation for insertion and repositioning of reamers. Reduced setup time and rapid operating parameters (0-20 IPM pulling speeds) support high-volume barrel finishing and polishing. Different machine configurations handle reaming diameters from 0.15" to 0.59" and depths from 24" – 60."

Finally, Precihole’s button rifling machine forms precise barrel grooves at speeds up to 80 IPM. Depending the machine model, rifling size can range from 0.15" - 0.59", and depth from 24" – 60".

Absolute Machine Tools Director of Marketing and A+ Automation Team Courtney Ortner said, “Absolute focuses on boosting the productivity and efficiency of manufacturing operations. Our company’s offering of small-caliber barrel machining and automation equipment can enable firearm manufacturers to optimize their operations and reduce the cost of the guns they produce.”

Related Glossary Terms

  • barrel finishing

    barrel finishing

    Mass finishing process that involves low-pressure abrasion resulting from tumbling workpieces in a barrel (usually of hexagonal or octagonal cross section) together with an abrasive slurry. See finishing.

  • drilling machine ( drill press)

    drilling machine ( drill press)

    Machine designed to rotate end-cutting tools. Can also be used for reaming, tapping, countersinking, counterboring, spotfacing and boring.

  • inches per minute ( ipm)

    inches per minute ( ipm)

    Value that refers to how far the workpiece or cutter advances linearly in 1 minute, defined as: ipm = ipt 5 number of effective teeth 5 rpm. Also known as the table feed or machine feed.

  • outer diameter ( OD)

    outer diameter ( OD)

    Dimension that defines the exterior diameter of a cylindrical or round part. See ID, inner diameter.

  • polishing

    polishing

    Abrasive process that improves surface finish and blends contours. Abrasive particles attached to a flexible backing abrade the workpiece.