Autofacer: The World Leader in Automatic Back Counterboring Tools
The Autofacer is an ingenious automatic back counterboring tool that allows a machinist to reach through a hole and machine a circular feature* on the back side of the part automatically. This is accomplished by folding the cutting blade into the shaft of the tool body allowing the tool to pass into the part. Once the tool has entered the part, the cutting blade is mechanically opened and cutting may begin.
Steiner Technologies is the OEM of the Autofacer since 1968 and we continue to be the world leader in automatic back spotfacing and back counter boring tools.
* Circular features might include a spot face, counterbore, countersink, chamfer, spherical radius, or some combination thereof.
Autofacer Activation Methods
How it Works
- Cone grips the face of the workpiece to open and close the blade (must be a machined surface)
Advantages
- Reliable performance on any machine tool, CNC or manual
- Cost-effective alternative to high-production tooling
How it Works
- Utilizes the inertia generated during rapid spindle acceleration to open and close the blade
Advantages
- Ideal for modern CNC machines with rapid acceleration and deceleration
- Cost-effective alternative to high-production tooling
How it Works
- Utilizes an anti-rotation device during spindle reversal to open and close the blade
- A Torque Bar Driver or an Arrestor-rod is required
Advantages
- Perfect for high-production runs that require the maximum degree of reliability
- Ideal for transfer lines and CNC machines
How it Works
- A rack and pinion gear opens the blade like a jack knife
- Available in Torque Bar and Coolant activated configurations
Advantages
- Extended spotface-to-hole size ratio (largest in the industry)
- Perfect for internal machining in differential gear cases
How it Works
- High-pressure coolant drives the blade open
- Spring-pressure closes the blade when the coolant is shut off
Advantages
- Simple to set up and run
- Perfect for high-production runs
- Ideal for machines with high-pressure, filtered coolant systems
How it Works
- Pads grip the inside diameter of the pilot hole to open and close the blade
Advantages
- Ideal for hole sizes greater than 2.25 inches where front (& back) spotfacing is required
How it Works
- A tapered pilot locates on a process bore supporting the tool a full 360 degrees
- Adjustable insert cartridge
- Available in Torque Bar activated configurations
Advantages
- Excellent size control and repeatability
- Capable of holding high-precision tolerances of .0001″ (.0025mm)
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Click Here to Learn More- Extreme reliability of part processing, due to a friction-type clutch that mechanically opens and closes the cutting blade.
- Can perform heavy interrupted cuts, with cutting blades that are mechanically held open during cutting.
- Utilizes the part hole to support the tool while cutting, enabling the operator to run the Autofacer at carbide speeds and feeds even at long length-to-diameter ratios.
- Available in many different configurations, depending upon your application needs.
- Maximize time savings. Our full-service grinding department allows us to offer custom geometries on our indexable inserts and brazed carbide cutting blades, meaning we can combine multiple operations into a single blade to save time.
- Reduce part process time by up to 80% or more
- Extreme reliability of part processing
- Eliminate costly secondary operations
- Enhance machine/operator safety by automating manufacturing processes
Performance is 100% guaranteed
- Autofacer has a wide range of activation methods available depending upon your specific needs.
- The best-fit activation method largely depends on the machine tool that is being used, along with your production quantities.
- Application Engineers at Steiner Technologies, Inc. will select the appropriate activation method to ensure optimum performance.
- The more demanding the application, the more you will benefit from the speed and automation that the Autofacer provides.
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Power generation
- Heavy equipment & locomotive
- Marine
- Pump & Valve
- Defense
The 5-Step Steiner Process, At-A-Glance
All projects start with a thorough assessment of your needs. What problems are you facing – and how can we help solve them? Our application engineers can best determine these factors when you submit your online assessment form, which is typically followed up with a phone call.
Once the problem is identified and it is determined that Steiner offers a solution, we will generate a no-obligation quote and send it to you within 24 hours.
After Steiner receives an order, the tool is designed and approval drawings are sent to the customer. Our engineering team uses state-of-the art 3D modeling and design software to ensure consistency across all Steiner products and reduce the tool design lead time. Steiner will send the approval drawings and upon request, access to a 3D model file.
After tool delivery, our dedicated team is on-call for assistance. Additionally, we have a national network of support and will enlist a local Steiner sales rep to help with your first tool runoff to guarantee success.
In the unlikely event that a tool does not perform or provide the solution as promised, Steiner will take the tool back free of charge.
Video Demos
What do Steiner solutions look like in action? Access our video library for live demos.
Case Studies
It’s not enough to simply say that Steiner increases part profitability by: reducing part process time by 80%+, eliminating costly secondary operations and automating your processes. Take a look at these real stories of customer outcomes: