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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    3

    Hex bar vs. Milling hex

    We have a Citizen M32 and are new to sliding head lathes. We mainly manufacture nuts and bolts in 303 stainless. We do a lot of Whitworth hexagon size bolts so the collets and guide bushes are very expensive. Is it the done thing to use common metric round bar sizes and mill the hexagon in the machine? Or would it work out cheaper to use hexagon bar?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    303

    Re: Hex bar vs. Milling hex

    Hex bar will definitely save you cycle time, but you will also go through turning tools faster as the interrupted / varying depth of cut will cause the turning tools(s) to break down faster.

    Additionally, hex bar tends to be looser tolerance than standard tgp round stock, so the potential for trouble holding size because of slack in the guide bushing is always present.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    3

    Re: Hex bar vs. Milling hex

    I guess it's swings and roundabouts but I was thinking the advantage would come in setup time when we can machine 2-3 different size hexagon bolts using the same round bar? The only problem there being material cost as larger diameter bar is obviously more expensive.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Posts
    4
    use round bar,,,,less rattling in bar feeder too.

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