M1 Abrams Seal Ring
Abstract
The U.S. Army's Anniston Depot in Anniston, Alabama, is designated the Center of Technical Excellence for the M1 Abrams Tank division of the Tank-Auto and Armaments Command (TAACOM). The Depot was commissioned to reduce the manufacturing time of a housing seal for the M1 Abrams engine. The 3.650-inch-diameter, 0.500-inch-wide seal, made of wrought A-286 nickel-iron super alloy, is difficult to clamp securely during machining, making it a challenge to maintain required roundness tolerances. Anniston was turning the seal in four set-ups on a lathe, and then employing a machining center to mill off two tabs as required in the part specifications. The Depot requested the assistance of the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) to help reduce machining costs and improve work holding effectiveness. The NCDMM recommended application of cutting tools from alliance partner Kennametal Inc. featuring advanced coatings and geometries. The new tooling permitted a doubling of cutting speeds as well as an increase in depth of cut, reducing machining time and cost. In addition, new fixturing configurations produced strong gripping power without distorting the part. The fixtures enabled the turning operations to be completed in a single clamping, saving time spent handling and relocating the part for multiple setups.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 26, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA481957
Entities
Organizations
- National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining