Thought you guys (and gals) might appreciate this. I work for a manufacturer of components for motorcycles, ATV’s, snowmobiles, etc. The company is considering the purchase of a new “screw machine” to manufacture small components. In looking over the brand of machining center we’re considering buying, I found this cool video! It is a Swistek screw machine machining a AR-15 bolt from bar stock. I found it interesting, both from a AR-15 point of view first and foremost, but also because it is a very trick machine tool!
I’m guessing if it wasn’t aluminum, it would be a longer video, and they would have needed TiNi coated tools and carbide or PCD inserts. Would love to see a video of a BCM bolt being made!
Cool vid thanks for posting. I ran a Acme screw lathe (non CNC) for a while making the inner race for bearings, so it was interesting to see CNC process. On side note I’m on list to get certified for MPI testing at current job and got to see how MPI testing is done, on gas compression parts at least. They magnetically charge part, dip them in solution which will show defects under black light- laymans terms. Here’s more detailed explanation http://www.nationalboard.org/index.aspx?pageID=164&ID=377
They claim they used 8620, which is also used for bolts sometimes. I’ve read some positive things about it over C158, so I imagine it’s similar to machine.
I think you are confusing 8620 with 9310. 8620 was the original bolt material and was found wanting. It is also the material used in low-end bolts up till recently.
Very cool. I’m not familiar with cool CNC machines, but in the first part of the video when the overhead cutters are doing their job, I make the T-clamp inserts in the left cutter body. I run 5-axis grinders, so I cut carbide all day long.
I would be awesome to have a section with videos every AR part being made, or every firearm part for that matter. Would love to see some modern MG weaponry being made as well.
LOL… When I bought my HE washer with glass lid, I sat and watched it cycle the first five or so times I used it. I’m easily entertained by mechanical processes.
Unfortunately where I work, we’re not machining AR15 parts! Still will be cool to see one of these screw machines machining pistons for brake calipers (which is why we’re purchasing one). Even though I’m in finance, I still like walking through the shop and watching our Mazaks, Mori Seiki’s and Toyoda’s machining all manner of castings and bar stock into finished parts.
As someone else said, it would be neat to see all of the machining processes needed to make an AR - gun drilling the barrel, broaching the receiver, drawing GI mags, etc.