Enhancing sustainability by tool reconditioning and recycling services
Masatoshi Kageyama | OSG Corporation
As a global company manufacturing responsible products, OSG is committed to a healthy planet and society. In order to reduce environmental impact, OSG actively implements initiatives relating to resource and energy conservation, waste reduction, prevention of pollution, and material recycling in various processes throughout the OSG Group.
OSG’s tool reconditioning program is a part of the company’s commitment to promote resource conservation and to improve energy efficiency in its business activities.
Figure 1. Process of tool reconditioning.
The primary benefit of tool reconditioning is obvious: reduction in overall tooling costs. Although many shops regrind their own drills, few shops have given thought to regrinding high performance cutting tools, even though substantial cost savings can be obtained. These efforts not only save customers thousands of dollars each year but are also environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Figure 2. Significant cost reduction can be achieved by tool regrinding alone.
Figure 3. The condition of a 3-flute drill before and after tool reconditioning. With the capability and expertise to bring worn cutting tools back to life for a fraction of the cost of a new tool, reconditioning is highly economical and environmentally friendly.
As a comprehensive cutting tool manufacturer, OSG is capable of regrinding and recoating an array of products, such as solid carbide tools, HSS tools, PCD tools, rolling dies, specials, and more. Tool reconditioning services provided by OSG restore used tools to like-new condition. OSG’s tool reconditioning division uses original OSG manufacturing drawings for all regrinding processes. OSG Group companies also adhere to the OSG quality control manual and use the same inspection equipment used by the manufacturing division during the inspection procedures. With tool reconditioning facilities in 14 countries, OSG can respond to customer needs worldwide.
In addition to tool reconditioning, OSG also offers customization services to help manufacturers optimize machining based on individual application needs.
Figure 4. An example of a tool modification to minimize burrs during drilling.
Furthermore, carbide tools that can no longer be reground can be recycled through OSG’s group company’s carbide recycling program. Cemented carbide materials contain a large amount of rare metals. Carbide recycling reduces material consumption and contributes to environmental preservation.
Carbide tools that can no longer be reground can be recycled through OSG’s group company Nihon Hard Metal’s carbide recycling program.
For more information on tool reconditioning and OSG’s sustainability efforts
Group Company Highlight: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
As one of the world leaders in metalworking cutting tools, OSG has the unique ability to rejuvenate used tools to like-new condition. In Japan, OSG Corporation’s group company Aoyama Seisakusho offers regrinding and recoating services for carbide and HSS tools such as taps, drills and end mills, and special tools. In addition to OSG products, Aoyama Seisakusho can restore other manufacturers’ tooling to print. Tool modifications can also be fulfilled upon request.
Aoyama Seisakusho’s headquarters is located adjacent to the OSG Academy in Toyokawa, Aichi, Japan.
Aoyama Seisakusho’s machine operators pose for a photograph.
Aoyama Seisakusho became a part of the OSG Group in 1986. Three years later, Aoyama Seisakusho relocated its headquarters and production facility to Toyokawa, Aichi, Japan. Today, Aoyama Seisakusho employs approximately 80 employees. In addition to tool reconditioning and custom products, Aoyama Seisakusho specializes in the manufacturing and sale of bandsaws, circular saw blades and bits.
From left, bandsaws and bits. In addition to tool reconditioning, Aoyama Seisakusho specializes in the manufacturing and sale of bandsaws, circular saw blades and bits.
Aoyama Seisakusho offers regrinding and recoating services for carbide and HSS tools such as taps, drills and end mills and special tools.
Masahiro Oshino, president of Aoyama Seisakusho.
“As a member of the OSG Group, we always strive to achieve and deliver the best possible result for our clients,” said Masahiro Oshino, president of Aoyama Seisakusho. “We will continue to support the manufacturing industry worldwide with high efficiency, high accuracy and long tool life products,” said Oshino.
For more information on Aoyama Seisakusho (Japanese only)
Aoyama Seisakusho Drip Coffee Bags
Aoyama Seisakusho creates promotional items annually to give to customers during special occasions and events. One of its most famously known items is the company’s original drip coffee bag.
Aoyama Seisakusho’s original drip coffee bag.
Rather than making another orthodox approach to promotional gifts, such as pens and mugs, President Masahiro Oshino wanted to create a unique and memorable gift for clients to enjoy.
“I didn’t want to make just another pen to give to our clients, which may be tossed into the trash,” said Oshino. “As a responsible company, we should be mindful of every environmental impact we make.”
Aoyama Seisakusho president Masahiro Oshino brews coffee for guests at the office.
As a coffee enthusiast, Oshino thought that drip coffee bag would make a practical and enjoyable promotional item. In March 2017, Oshino collaborated with a specialty coffee shop in Toyokawa, Aichi, where the company is headquartered at, and the first original drip coffee bag was made. Only high-ranked coffee beans from the specialty coffee category are used in Aoyama Seisakusho’s drip coffee bag, which not only makes this promotional item unique, but also delicious. More than six years later, Aoyama Seisakusho now offers this unique promotional item in 12 different styles featuring coffee beans from Guatemala, Brazil, Ethiopia and Indonesia.
“Pens don’t usually ignite conversations,” said Oshino. “But coffee can,” he says. “It brings people together and is a great conversation starter.”
The OSG Group
OSG Corporation has individual production facilities for designated tooling lines including taps, HSS drills and end mills, carbide drills and end mills, rolling dies and gauges, tool coating, and machine tools. In addition to OSG’s own product lineup, OSG also fulfills customer needs with its domestic group companies specialized in their respective fields. Each domestic group company manufacturers and sells the products they specialize in. Together, they offer a broad lineup of products and services, including the manufacturing of carbide materials and cutting tools, coating and regrinding services, as well as sales of machinery. They also offer various custom services, ensuring that each and every client will always receive products that suit their desired processing environment.
Internationally, OSG has a global network of over 65 business offices in 33 countries, which provides its production sites with accurate feedback about user needs so that the company can quickly design, develop, manufacture and deliver products that precisely meets those needs.
For more information on OSG’s domestic group companies
You must be logged in to post a comment.