Precision Through Tradition: How Sutton Tools Leads in Cutting Tools Quality

Ensuring the highest standards of quality is paramount at the Australian cutting tool manufacturer Sutton Tools. To achieve this, they have integrated the Bruker Alicona InfiniteFocus G6 system into their quality assurance processes. This state-of-the-art measurement system, located in their SMART Centre, provides precise, repeatable, and non-destructive measurements, ensuring every tool meets the highest benchmarks. Discover how Sutton Tools leverages advanced measurement technology to maintain their legacy of excellence and innovation in the cutting tools industry.

John H. Navarro Devia, PhD

R&D Engineer

The equipment plays a critical part in the product development department, with daily utilization (even on weekends) due to the high demand for different engineering projects

Founded as a family-owned business, Sutton Tools has grown to become a global leader in cutting tool manufacturing, with plants in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

Sutton Tools has integrated the Bruker Alicona InfiniteFocus G6 system into its operations.

Features such as flute shapes, edge rounding on cutting edges, and surface roughness are analyzed with the InfiniteFocus G6. The system's 3D measurements, area based inspections, and edge master functionalities are invaluable for Sutton Tool's quality assurance.

Speed, ease of lens changeover, and additional features made the Infinite Focus G6 a superior choice.

The state-of-the-art measurement system is situated in Sutton Tools' SMART Centre,

The state-of-the-art measurement system is situated in the SMART Centre, a dedicated test center designed for easy access by product engineers.

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Pioneering Innovation and Unwavering Quality: The Sutton Tools Story

For over a century, Sutton Tools has been a beacon of quality and innovation in the cutting tools industry. Founded as a family-owned business, Sutton Tools has grown to become a global leader, with manufacturing plants in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Their extensive range of cutting tools, including taps, drills, endmills, and specialized cutting tools, are renowned for their precision and durability. A significant portion of their products are exported to Europe and Asia, underscoring their international reputation for excellence. To ensure the highest quality of their products, Sutton Tools employs advanced measurement technology, including the Bruker Alicona InfiniteFocus G6 system, in their quality assurance processes.

Founded in 1917, Sutton Tools began as a small family enterprise manufacturing threads and gauges in a converted stable in Westgarth, Victoria. Over the years, the company expanded its expertise into a broader portfolio of cutting tools. By 1925, increased demand necessitated a move to larger premises, and by 1959, they relocated to their current Thomastown location. Throughout its history, Sutton Tools has remained committed to innovation and quality, investing in research and development to produce industry-first solutions. This dedication has allowed them to maintain control over their manufacturing processes and resist pressures to move production overseas.

We use the G6 to scan tools and analyze various features such as flute shapes, edge rounding on cutting edges, and surface roughness. The system's 3D measurements, area based inspections, and edge master functionalities are invaluable for our work.

Commitment to Quality

At Sutton Tools, quality is not just a goal; it's a tradition. The company has always prioritized the highest standards in manufacturing, ensuring that every tool they produce meets rigorous quality benchmarks. This commitment to quality is evident in their continuous investment in advanced technology and equipment.

Embracing Advanced Measurement Technology

To maintain their high standards, Sutton Tools has integrated the Bruker Alicona InfiniteFocus G6 system into their operations. This state-of-the-art measurement system is situated in their SMART Centre, a dedicated test center designed for easy access by product engineers. The InfiniteFocus G6 is strategically placed on a separate table from its computer to eliminate any vibrations during scanning, ensuring precise measurements.

The InfiniteFocus G6: Precision and Versatility

Fuad Ahmed, a Product Engineer at Sutton Tools, shares his experience with the InfiniteFocus G6 system: "I use the G6 to scan tools and analyze various features such as flute shapes, edge rounding on cutting edges, and surface roughness. The system's 3D measurements, area based inspections, and edge master functionalities are invaluable for our work." Before adopting the InfiniteFocus G6, Sutton Tools used another Bruker Alicona measurement device. However, the new system's speed, ease of lens changeover, and additional features made it a superior choice. "The new instrument is fast and has easy changeover of lenses. Larger tools can be measured with the new system," says Ahmed.

Overcoming Measurement Challenges

Sutton Tools faces unique challenges in measuring their components. Some tools have higher helix angles, making it difficult to measure certain specifications. Additionally, coated tools can be challenging to scan due to their reflectivity. Despite these challenges, the InfiniteFocus G6 system has proven to be a reliable solution. "My experience with the MetMaX software has been positive, especially the merging function, which allows me to take different measurements to see difficult-to-reach areas," Ahmed notes. The quick changeover of lenses also enhances the system's usability.

Maximum precision for a wide range of components

According to John H. Navarro Devia, PhD, R&D Engineer at Sutton Tools Pty Ltd, the InfiniteFocus G6 system is capable of measuring not only the manufactured tools, which vary in size and form (end mills, drills, taps, reamers, and so on), but also raw bars and some components utilized in the production line. Additionally, it is used to inspect machined pieces as part of the product testing process. "We typically scan one tool daily, as our measurements require high precision, with an accuracy of at least 100 nanometers or lower," Navarro explains. The application and specific use case can vary, but the primary focus is on measuring macro and microgeometries of tools. The equipment is also used to inspect machined parts, surface texture of high-performance tools, and to verify dimensions on prototypes of new tools - either for the high-performance (HP) or DIY market.

"The equipment plays a critical part in the product development department, with daily utilization (even on weekends) due to the high demand for different engineering projects,”

Navarro comments.

Easy enough for any level of user expertise

Due to the equipment's relatively easy operation, over five engineers use the device. Sutton Tools also provides training to engineering students who collaborate with the company on internships or research projects. The entire measurement process, including data analysis, takes place directly on the machine due to license restrictions. However, the equipment's relatively low installation requirements allow it to be located near the Engineering office, providing easy access for staff.

The Decision to Choose Bruker Alicona

When evaluating measurement systems, Sutton Tools considered various options. Ultimately, they chose the Bruker Alicona InfiniteFocus G6 for its accuracy, precision, and repeatability. The optical solution offered by Bruker Alicona allows for non-destructive measurements, saving time and reducing scrap. "Accuracy, precision, and repeatability are the most important features of a measurement system," Ahmed emphasizes. The InfiniteFocus G6 meets these criteria, making it an indispensable tool for Sutton Tools.

Leading the Way in Precision Engineering

Sutton Tools' integration of the InfiniteFocus G6 system exemplifies their commitment to quality and innovation. By leveraging advanced measurement technology, they continue to uphold their legacy of excellence, ensuring that their cutting tools remain at the forefront of the industry.