Autofacer
The World Leader in Automatic Back Counterboring Tools
AUTOFACER
The World Leader in Automatic Back Counterboring Tools
Features of the Autofacer
What sets the Autofacer apart from other back spot-facing 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.
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
In-Stock Autofacer:
- In-Stock & Ready to Ship
- Inch & Metric Weldon shanks available
- Fully supported in pilot hole during cutting
- Utilizes machine spindle inertia to open & close the cutting blade
- Shear pin design protects the tool investment, workpiece and machine spindle in the event of tool overload.
Counterbore Ø Range:
- 9.5mm (.375″) to 33mm (1.299″)
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)
Specialized Autofacers for Machining Seat Pockets and Clearance Bores on Subsea Gate Valves
- The Steiner KA Autofacer is a modular semi-standard front and back counterboring system that was designed for machining seat pockets and clearance bores in Gate Valves
- The KA Autofacer utilizes expandable bushings and modular dampeners to support the tool when cutting which eliminates the need to hold a tight diameter tolerance on your flow bore
- Our modular connection allows lengths to be built out in 6” and 12” increments.
- The KA Autofacer can be used on standard CNC machine tools- No “W” axis is required.
The 5-Step Steiner Process
Full Assessment:
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.
No Obligation Quote:
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.
Design:
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.
Production:
As soon as you approve and sign the design proposal, production begins. All tools are made in-house and our quality and operations team will closely monitor production every step of the way, including a stringent final inspection and assessment prior to shipment.
Delivery & Service:
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.
Video Demos
What do Steiner solutions look like in action? Access our video library for live demos.
Ingenious Innovations: Custom Cutter Blade Fixture
Watch as we unveil our custom machining fixture, optimizing the production of Cutter Blades and Master Holders for the Autofacer, Automatic Back Spotfacing Tool.
Torque Bar Autofacer with LED Indicator Ring
This video demonstrates the functionality of our new LED Indicator Ring system for our Autofacer automatic back counterboring tools.
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:
Request A Quote for an Autofacer
Do you have an application that an Autofacer could improve? Fill out the short questionnaire below and we'll contact you!
