Walter GPS
What is Walter GPS?
Walter GPS is a free digital tool navigator developed by Walter Tools, designed for machinists, machine shops, and manufacturing facilities. The application helps users choose the right cutting tools and determine machining parameters for different machining methods, taking into account the workpiece material, the tool being used, and the technical limitations of the machine tool. Walter GPS is available through browsers and mobile devices and supports several languages, including Finnish.
Walter GPS as Part of Digital Machining Planning
The main purpose of Walter GPS is to support machining planning by providing technically realistic and practically feasible recommendations. The application doesn’t just consider the tool and material combination; it also takes into account machine tool features, such as spindle speed, cutting power, and torque. Machines can be selected from predefined models or specified in detail by the user, allowing recommendations to better match the real production environment.
Walter GPS and Machining Parameter Calculation
Walter GPS calculates cutting speeds, feeds, and depths of cut based on the basic machining data. The calculations consider the machine's power and torque at different speed ranges, ensuring that given values stay within the machine’s allowable limits. This reduces the risk of overloading and makes it easier to use standardized cutting parameters in production. The machining parameters are based on the Walter Tools' tool database but are customized for each specific machine.
Walter GPS and the Economic Perspective in Machining
In addition to technical values, Walter GPS also provides insight into the economic factors of machining. The application estimates chip flow, machining time, and the calculated service life of the tool. With this information, users can compare different tool and parameter options from a production cost perspective. By specifying the machine's hourly rate and tool cost, Walter GPS gives a comprehensive view of the cost structure for the machining process.
The Walter GPS Material Library
Walter GPS includes an extensive material library covering the most common materials used in machining. Materials can be searched by their designations according to different standards, and the application shows equivalencies between those standards. Material strength values can be adjusted if necessary, allowing the calculations to be tailored to the actual lot of material being used. Frequently used materials can be saved as favorites to speed up daily operations in the shop.
Walter GPS and Machining Methods
Walter GPS supports a wide variety of cutting machining methods. In milling, the application covers face milling, pocket milling, slot milling, helical milling, and 3D surface machining, among others. In turning, it supports roughing and finishing, grooving, parting, thread turning, and dynamic turning techniques. For holemaking, Walter GPS offers solutions for drilling, boring, and threading using both cutting and forming methods.
Walter GPS and NC Code Generation
As part of its features, Walter GPS can generate NC code, especially for thread milling. The user can define the thread geometry and location, after which the app creates the program code for the selected control system, including all machining parameters. This reduces the need for manual programming and lowers the risk of errors, especially in facilities where a variety of parts are produced.
Walter GPS in the Daily Life of a Machine Shop
Walter GPS brings together all technical data related to machining into a single user interface. It lessens the need for separate tables, calculation tools, and manuals, and supports consistent use of machining parameters in production. The app is suitable for both single-part and series production, and it can assist both in process planning and in machinists’ daily work.
Summary
Walter GPS is a digital tool that supports the technical and economic planning of machining. It brings together tool data, materials, machine tool characteristics, and machining methods into a single comprehensive package. Walter GPS offers machine shops and manufacturers a practical way to determine machining parameters and compare alternatives from a production standpoint.
