ToolBOSS Tool Management System

March 13, 2013

One of the most fundamental keys to running an efficient and cost-effective plant is having the right tool in the right place at the right time. While the cost of a milling or turning insert may range from a few dollars to significant investment, not having that tool available when needed can shut down an entire production line or more, resulting in missed delivery dates and lost profits. That is why tooling technology leader Kennametal Inc. is announcing new expansions of its ToolBOSS tool-management system.

"More and more customers are demanding vending solutions for all the classic reasons," says Jay Evans, Kennametal program manager for global supply chain services. "They all want to improve inventory control, downsize centralized tool crib operations, reduce the amount of time it takes for machine operators to locate required tools, and capture, compare, and trend tooling costs associated with the part produced. Such data helps identify problem areas and opportunities for continuous-improvement efforts."

The newest ToolBOSS model is a smaller, portable demo unit that Kennametal is making available to its distribution channel partners. "Distributors are the front line in customizing programs for their customers," Evans says. "The demo unit is a great way for those distributors to demonstrate ToolBOSS advantages right in their own conference rooms.

At only 100lbs (45 kg), the demo unit includes a ToolBOSS computer loaded with the full version of ToolBOSS Inventory Manager software, the standard touch screen, and two pre-configured tray levels. "Width- and depth-wise, the demo unit is a full-size ToolBOSS frame, but the height is only 23 inches (58.4 cm)," Evans says. "This allows our distributor partners to show a variety of tray and drawer sizes — solutions for large and small shops alike."

The Flex Unit is a full-size ToolBOSS frame that starts out with eight drawers to further showcase ToolBOSS advantages. As customer requirements grow, more drawers can be added up to 26 levels to the frame "Trays and drawers can be configured not only for tooling, but also other shop needs such as belts, wheels, gloves, and other equipment," says Evans.

Appropriate to its name, the ToolBOSS Modulo unit is a modular ToolBOSS frame that can be configured to provide different drawer and compartment sizes, expanding ToolBOSS for more than just tools, but also anything else companies want to more efficiently control, such as replacement parts, gloves and personal items.

Related Glossary Terms

  • gang cutting ( milling)

    gang cutting ( milling)

    Machining with several cutters mounted on a single arbor, generally for simultaneous cutting.

  • milling

    milling

    Machining operation in which metal or other material is removed by applying power to a rotating cutter. In vertical milling, the cutting tool is mounted vertically on the spindle. In horizontal milling, the cutting tool is mounted horizontally, either directly on the spindle or on an arbor. Horizontal milling is further broken down into conventional milling, where the cutter rotates opposite the direction of feed, or “up” into the workpiece; and climb milling, where the cutter rotates in the direction of feed, or “down” into the workpiece. Milling operations include plane or surface milling, endmilling, facemilling, angle milling, form milling and profiling.

  • turning

    turning

    Workpiece is held in a chuck, mounted on a face plate or secured between centers and rotated while a cutting tool, normally a single-point tool, is fed into it along its periphery or across its end or face. Takes the form of straight turning (cutting along the periphery of the workpiece); taper turning (creating a taper); step turning (turning different-size diameters on the same work); chamfering (beveling an edge or shoulder); facing (cutting on an end); turning threads (usually external but can be internal); roughing (high-volume metal removal); and finishing (final light cuts). Performed on lathes, turning centers, chucking machines, automatic screw machines and similar machines.

Additional Products from Kennametal Inc.

Designed for extended tool life and smooth drilling at high metal removal rates, Drill Fix PRO has outboard inserts that feature a wiper geometry for smoother surface finishes and larger coolant channels for high-volume flow. Other platform advancements include the versatility of the four-time…

The product expansion includes best-in-class features and advanced technology for metal cutting applications. The launch includes eight products that expand on and support existing platforms in delivering superior performance across multiple applications as well as address common machining…

The Blast Ninja reduces air exit velocity while maintaining particle velocity, resulting in a significant reduction in noise production at the source while maintaining blasting production. This proven technology remains Kennametal-manufactured and is now available directly through authorized…

Using the 140-degree solid carbide point design from Kennametal’s GOdrill, the KenTIP FS GTP insert allows for multiple machining applications across a range of materials including steel, stainless steel and cast iron. KenTIP FS GTP also features excellent centering capabilities, even at moderate…

KYHK15B provides excellent edge stability, high chipping resistance, and a PVD gold coating makes wear progression identification very easy. From smooth and varying depths of cut to heavy depths of cut, KYHK15B can be an economic alternative to PcBN inserts.

All Beyond Evolution insert styles feature the Triple-V Seating: Tight grip on the back (1) and top & bottom (2) provides maximum stability, especially when operating multidirectional turning and profiling.

KCK20B and KCKP10 are suitable for wet or dry cuts. These include rotor hubs used in windmills, pump housings, steering knuckles and gear housings for heavy equipment, and automotive components like crankshafts and cylinder heads. While KCK20B delivers higher productivity in roughing and semi-…

Machining three diameters in one operation, the stator bore tool ensures the alignment and concentricity of the machined surfaces whilst reducing the cycle time significantly. The lightweight 3D printed combination tool enables a faster tool change and spin-up even on less powerful machines. The…

The tangential design of the FIX8 insert features a rigid clamping system that pulls the insert securely into the pocket seat, offering superior stability that enables the insert to withstand large cutting forces and vibrations for optimal performance. The insert is also supported by a replaceable…

Drawing on its deep materials science expertise, Kennametal developed KAR85-AM-K to provide corrosion and wear resistant properties analogous to its conventional counterpart grade, CN13S. Combined with Kennametal’s binder jet additive manufacturing capabilities, KAR85-AM-K results in fully…