Not every sliding head machining application has the same requirements.

Different materials, components, machines and operations can call for different tooling approaches. A solution that works well for one application may not necessarily be the most suitable option for another.

That is one of the reasons Floyd Automatic Tooling works with multiple tooling manufacturers.

A broad supplier base gives Floyd access to different tooling technologies, geometries, grades and product ranges. More importantly, it provides flexibility when considering an individual application.

Starting with the requirement

When selecting tooling, the starting point should be the machining requirement rather than simply a particular product range.

What material is being machined? What operation is being carried out? What are the component requirements? What machine and workholding are involved?

These factors help determine what the tooling needs to achieve.

Having access to products from different manufacturers means Floyd can consider those requirements before identifying suitable options.

That might involve selecting a particular tool geometry, comparing different grades or considering an alternative approach to an existing setup.

More choice can be more useful

Working with multiple manufacturers is not about offering a long list of brands for the sake of it.

It is about having options.

For example, a high-volume application in stainless steel may have very different tooling requirements from a precision component being produced in brass or a difficult-to-machine material.

Even where the material is the same, differences in component geometry, machine configuration and production volumes can influence the most appropriate tooling choice.

Access to different suppliers allows those differences to be considered.

A single point of contact

For manufacturers, another benefit is that they can discuss a wider range of tooling requirements with one specialist supplier.

Rather than having to manage separate conversations with multiple tooling manufacturers, Floyd can help identify suitable products from across its supplier base.

This can be particularly useful for manufacturers with varied production requirements or multiple sliding head machines.

The application comes first

The purpose of working with multiple manufacturers is ultimately to support an application-first approach.

The question is not simply, "Which product do we sell?"

It is, "What does this application require?"

From there, suitable tooling options can be considered.

For Floyd, supplier breadth supports a more flexible approach to tooling and gives customers access to a wider range of potential solutions.

Because the right tooling choice should be based on the application, not simply the limitations of a single catalogue.

If you have a sliding head tooling requirement, speak to Floyd Automatic Tooling about your application.