Tools & Brackets

IP Approach is pleased to present the attached exclusive patents for sale “Standard tool diameter gage”, “Machine tool test fixture”, “On-machine inspection indicator setup block” and “Machine tool inspection” which includes U.S. Granted Patent US 10,184,775 B2; US 10,845,192 B2; US 10,935,359 B2; US 11,040,425 B2 and US 11,543,227 B2 assigned to SL Manufacturing, LLC. The IP relates to a method used to precisely measure a cutting tool. The IP also relates to a precision machined fixture. More particularly, the mechanical fixture provides a standard gage for qualifying machining centers. The IP also relates to a precision machined internal diameter gage. The device is used to precisely setup a test indicator on a machine tool spindle. The IP relates to a device that determines the precise diameters of cutting tools. The IP also relates to a method used to precisely examine the quality of a machine tool's performance.

The technology disclosed provides the following  advantages:

• The invention improves machining accuracy by enabling the use of precise, measured tool dimensions in CNC programming, eliminating errors from nominal sizing, reducing human measurement error, and ensuring reliable toolpath generation.
• The invention enhances operational efficiency by allowing accurate tool size verification before machining begins, minimizing rework, scrap, cycle runs, and the need for trial-and-error adjustments.
• The invention supports consistency and quality control by enabling repeatable tool offsets and setup processes across operators, setups, and machines, which is critical for maintaining high-precision standards.
• The invention improves tool condition monitoring by detecting size variation and wear over time, identifying undersized or damaged tools before use, and supporting predictive maintenance for longer tool life.
• The invention boosts productivity and reduces downtime by enabling offline tool measurement, quick setup verification, and reducing unnecessary test cuts, re-setups, or post-machining inspections.
• The invention provides a standardized, user-friendly process that simplifies tool and part measurement even for operators with minimal training, ensuring repeatable results in both digital and manual shop environments.
• The invention identifies a machine tool’s performance with quick, repeatable fixture setups, strategic design elements for alignment, and high-precision tolerance (0.0005 inch flatness), ensuring stability even under stress.
• The invention enhances CAM and CNC output by supplying exact tool data for more accurate toolpaths, reducing the risk of part defects, and increasing confidence in machining results.
• The invention enables real-world machine diagnostics by combining test cuts and indicator measurements to assess squareness, parallelism, circularity, and positioning in a single setup using shared CNC and CMM fixture references.
• The invention ensures accurate and stable setup alignment by providing reliable datums without altering parts, using magnetic inserts for secure placement, and non-magnetic materials to avoid interference with test indicators.
• The invention maintains measurement precision despite thermal variation and machine wear, ensuring stable origin setup and consistent surface measurement even in demanding conditions.
• The invention adapts across machines and setups by working with various CNC machines and CMMs, supporting large workpieces, and providing scalable solutions for different diagnostic and inspection needs.
• The invention facilitates communication and traceability by producing documented, measurable results that improve decision-making between quality and production teams and can be used to demonstrate machine tool accuracy for marketing purposes.
• The invention ensures precise and consistent measurement of cutting tools by providing a custom gage that measures tool diameters within 0.0002″ and accurately gauges cutting edges, eliminating the uncertainty of nominal sizes for reliable CNC programming.
• The invention enhances overall efficiency by allowing tool measurement outside the machining center, reducing fixture time and optimizing machining processes.