Every applicable milling tool assembly is tap-tested in a shop by BlueSwarf personnel or our Distributor. A RCSA artifact test is also made in each machining center. Digital photographs and weights of each assembly are recorded. The inventory locations (such as their slot in a vending machine) of the consumable components are recorded. Dashboards, bill of materials and CAD files are generated for each tool assembly. The Dashboards™ and CAD files are organized by machine tool in the web-based Tool Optimization and Management System (TOMS™).
TOMS™ is accessible in the cloud via user name and password. The administrator of the shop can add and delete users. The password page can be embedded in the website of the distributor, machine tool dealer or customer and is always is available at blueswarf.com.
Once logged in, the user is presented with all the machining centers that have been tested. They can upload and store documents and/or files (i.e. ballbar reports, service manuals, service records, maintenance instructions, etc.) to each machine tool.
Clicking on the machine tool will present all of the tap-tested tool assemblies. They are listed by operation icon (i.e. endmill, ball endmill, 90 degree face mill, 45 degree face mill, etc.) the tool diameter and the material code color (i.e. blue for steel, yellow for stainless, red for non-ferrous, etc.) for the workpiece materials that the tool can machine.
Hovering over the tool assembly will present links to the Dashboard, the CAD file and the Harmonizer file. They can also upload and store documents or files.
To activate the Harmonizer® service, users will record and submit the baseline threshold and cutting audio recordings for their tool assemblies with a Dashboard number and submit them to BlueSwarf. Authorized Distributors could do this for them using their Pocket Harmonizer.
BlueSwarf will create a Harmonizer (.hr4) file for that Dashboard and save it to the cloud. The users will download a read-only copy of Harmonizer® to view the .hr4 files. At regular intervals users can then record the cutting audio of any tool assembly with a Dashboard number using whatever device they have and submit it to BlueSwarf.
For example, they can record it on an iPhone with the free SoundCloud or SocialCAM (audio and video) app, add the Dashboard number in the comments and share it on Facebook, Twitter or email. BlueSwarf customer service personnel will instantly see the Twitter or Facebook posts on our Assistly customer service system.
BlueSwarf engineers look up the existing Harmonizer file for that Dashboard number, process the audio file, save it and it will appear in the Harmonizer® file history accessible from the user’s TOMS account. We will alert the user to any potential issues or speed recommendations detected from the recordings.
They can also order a RCSA Dashboard for a new tool assembly for that machine by clicking the appropriate link.
Following the initial creation of the Dashboards for existing tool assemblies, BlueSwarf engineers will compile a Kaizen Report listing any possible improvements that could be made. Once this Kaizen event is completed and all of the tool assemblies have been optimized or replaced with more productive tools, the customer now has a highly efficient tool management system. The programmer or machinist can quickly select tools for their dynamic performance rather than strictly by their dimensions. All they need to look for is the diameter, operation icon and material codes as described above. For example a longer tool may perform far better, due to dynamics, than would a shorter tool selected through a typical parametric search.
We also provide them with 12-month free subscription to the TOMS™ system.
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