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Calculate wheel shape

from the flute profile

Iteratively optimise

the theoretical wheel shape into practical form

Export the wheel geometry

in DXF CAD file for external manufacturing or in-process dressing

Design the wheel shape from the flute profile or vice versa

iFlute is a 3D simulation software package for designing customised flute profiles in the manufacturing process. The integration of both forward and reverse flute design enables the designer to optimise the tool cross-section and the resulting tool design. Constant Hook in the software options enables operations to achieve the specified constant hook angle along the whole cutting edge of step or form tools. The Straight Lip option enables the grinding of the required flute that generates a straight lip when grinding a drill point.

iFlute

CALCULATE WHEEL SHAPE FOR TAPS AND STEP DRILLS
Starting with the desired lip shape and core depth, iFlute software can design a flute shape to meet these criteria and then generate a custom wheel shape to suit the flute shape.
OPTIMISE THE WHEEL SHAPE
There are multiple features to adjust the flute and wheel shapes within iFlute. One typical scenario is to start from a perfect flute shape, but the generated wheel shape might not be optimal. For instance, it may have a sharp edge (which would blunt quickly), or be off the centre line (which can generate excessive torsional forces on the drill).

For correcting these, software options are available for tweaking the wheel shape and alignments, and automatically highlight the difference those changes would make to the flute shape. One can go back and forth like this, refining the flute and wheel shape until the desirable result is achieved.
 
BUILT-IN SUPPORT FOR FORMED FLUTING AND DRESSING
After the wheel shape is finalised, it can be simply sent to an ANCA tool grinder for dressing and grinding. Dressing and grinding on the same machine is the most accurate way to get a perfect flute. Alternatively, from iFlute you can export a DXF CAD file with the wheel geometry for external manufacture and/or dressing of your designed shape. For a smoother and simpler wheel dress, you can specify the wheel shape curve to be approximated by lines and arcs.

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