This DMTC project team, comprising Sutton Tools, Swinburne University, RMIT and University of Queensland is developing a range of cutting tools through additive manufacturing technologies.
The project team has manufactured cutting tool blank material by direct metal deposition (DMD), a method in which a feed nozzle introduces metallic powder into a laser beam. From the blank material, an endmill cutting tool is then produced through the grinding process. The tool is currently being benchmarked against other endmill tools obtained from standard manufacturing techniques.
The use of DMD in the manufacture of cutting tools is unique and enables the tool to be customised for a specific application. It is hoped this collaboration will develop new cutting tools for use in the production of defence components that are typically complex and difficult to machine