What is a self-tuning mass damper? (STMD)

A self-tuning mass damper can help you increase productivity and improve cutting tool performance. The damped tool automatically absorbs vibrations smartly and efficiently, making it possible for the operator to turn up both speed and feed for a smoother process.

Self-tuning mass damper (STMD) – an introduction

A self-tuning mass damper (STMD) is a tool that takes care of the vibrations when you operate the machine parts in metal cutting operations. The vibrations occur in all kinds of metalworking processes and affect the cutting tool performance. When you cancel the vibrations you get better performance, higher production speed, and a better surface finish. 

How does a self-tuning mass damper work?

The self-tuning mass damper is equipped with a mass that absorbs the vibrations by adjusting to the vibration frequency of the particular process you are working with at the moment. A damper that is self-tuned can cancel the vibrations in a wide range of frequencies, making it possible to use the same tool holder for several applications in the plant.

The self-tuning mass damper is an innovation that replaces the old generation of mass dampers. While the earlier versions of mass dampers needed to be manually tuned for each operating tool, the self-tuning mass damper automatically adjusts to the particular process and the tool you are using. It is a plug and play solution, which means you can use your tool holder for multiple applications and depth.

Self-tuning mass damper vs old generation mass damper

The difference between a self-tuning mass damper and the earlier versions of vibration-damping technology is mainly the flexibility, speed, and quality features. The new solution is built to simplify for the user and minimize time spent on special treatment of cutting tools.

Regular mass damper

• Pre-tuned or tune it yourself
• Reduced speed and feed
• Unpredictable surface quality
• Fit for short overhangs
• One tool holder for each application
• Install each one manually

Self-tuning mass damper

• Automatically tuned
• Higher speed and feed
• High surface quality
• Fit for both short and long overhangs
• One tool holder for several applications
• Plug and play

Self-tuning mass dampers can increase production speed

Slowing down has been the standard solution to avoid tool chatter and quality issues in metal cutting operations. Even though you have a tuned damper, you can’t trust it to work at any speed since the vibrations constantly changes causing the damper to fall out of tune. A self-tuning mass damper allows you to work faster, using the full capacity of your machines and tools. The STMD automatically adjusts to different speeds and feeds, without losing quality. This makes it possible to keep up the speed, even for long overhangs. This enables a higher productivity level and more precision in the cutting.

The STMD makes your tool last longer

If you can lower the vibration in the cutting operation consistently you can reduce the number of tool changes. The inserts of the self-tuning mass damper last longer as the vibrations are damped more efficiently. This means the operators can save both time and effort compared to when they are using the old generation of damper tools. A modern mass damper such as the self-tuner helps you reduce tool wear and make life easier for the machine operators at the same time.

Has the ability to produce a smooth surface finish

Damaged parts with poor surface finish cause problems further down the line. One of the reasons why the surface finish doesn’t meet the quality standards is vibration disturbance in the cutting process. When you use self-tuning mass dampers you won't need to change the settings of your machines or send it through a grinding or sanding operation afterward. The anti-vibration tool produces a smooth surface finish even with operations that have a high vibration risk.