How
We Produce Our High Quality Bits
BRAZING
The milled bits are
fitted with custom designed micrograin
carbide tips and brazed. Particular attention to accuracy is required during
this extremely important step to
ensure a good bond. In brazing, the carbide
tip and steel body are fitted together and heated to 420º C. When
the metals reach this temperature, an optic sensor triggers the silver
induction wire which is then injected between
the carbide and the steel automatically.
Since the metals have expanded due to the heat, the bits are immediately
put into normalizing ovens as each braze is
completed. The stress caused by the contrast
between the brazing temperature and room temperature can cause the carbide
to contract too rapidly and crack.
By using normalizing ovens, the bits
can be brought down to normal temperatures gradually. This allows for brazing
at higher temperatures to further guarantee
a solid braze (See Photo 4).
TEFLON® INDUSTRIAL COATING
After brazing, the bits are
sanded and degreased and then the trademark
orange Teflon® Industrial
coating is baked on (Photo 5). Teflon® is a stratified coating that forms
layers when applied. The bottom layer bonds chemically and mechanically to the
tool surface while the top layer is a low friction non-stick layer of
Teflon®. Between the two strata is a combination middle layer of bonding
chemicals and Teflon®, so the complete Teflon® coating sticks to the
tool, but nothing else does. In addition, this low friction non-stick
Teflon® coating provides advantages that you don't get from other
coated tools.
|
|
Photo 1
Photo 2 Photo
3
Photo 4 Photo 5
Photo 6
Photo 7 Photo 8
Photo 9
|
DuPont tested
their industrial strength coating and the results
were clear – Teflon®
helps tools perform better, last longer, and clean up quicker. DuPont studies
have shown that Teflon® coated tools stay sharper longer and the stratified
Teflon® coating binds to the tool to create a tough protective surface
that is resistant to heat and friction, which means
no burning. The self lubricating, non-stick finish
also prevents resin and residue build up, and
effectively seals out moisture so you don't need
to use oils, grease, or antioxidants.
GRINDING AND SHARPENING
The
final phases of production are the finishing
touches that serve to distinguish CMT bits from all the rest. It helps
to remember that CMT bits go from step to
step in production constantly being machined
concentrically. Grinding takes place on the shank and the ball bearing
seat, where rotation must be perfect
for the bit to execute precise cuts and
to guarantee that the shank fits tightly in the router collet. On these
two parts of the bit, we leave a
0.8µm finish that it is so smooth to the touch it feels like oil. The
sharpening of the carbide tips is done on 8 axes CNC machinery to leave a razor
sharp 0.4µm finish (photos 6, 7, 8). (Reminder: It is easy to
cut yourself simply by handling a bit.
Please use extreme caution, especially
when removing router bits from the packaging
or bushings in the Bit Organizer).
Lastly, CMT bits are prepared for shipment.
They are laser marked along the shank
with CMT, the item number and "Made in Italy",
which guarantees that you are buying
an authentic CMT Utensili router bit
(photo 9). Included with each purchase of CMT router and boring
bits and sawblades are multi-lingual
safety instructions and suggestions.
|
|
A bit is born – turning
the body of a CMT Round Over Bit on
a Swiss automatic lathe.
The CMT milling process in action.
|
CMT Utensili
is also making an effort to help the environment
through recycling. The oil and water used to cool
the machines and in the manufacture of the bits is recycled
on premise and reused in production. In addition,
all resulting steel waste is collected for pick
up and recycling. The plastic packaging was designed to be
reused for bit storage and smaller packages are
recyclable.
Finely
crafted CMT tools will last a lifetime when well taken care of. Always remember
to clean the tools, store them in a safe place when not in use to avoid
dropping and breakage, and always remember to use ear, eye and respiratory
protection while working.
© 1998 CMT Utensili srl
™ - CMT, the CMT logo and orange color on the surface of woodworking
tools are trademarks of CMT Utensili srl.
®Teflon is a registered
trademark of DuPont. Information regarding Teflon® courtesy of
DuPont.
|
Page 1
| 2 | 3| 
|
|
|
|
|
