Lightweight Epoxy Mineral Tombstones

The SWISS-MODULAR epoxy mineral tombstones (tripoxyMINERAL) are constructed using an advanced epoxy mineral composite consisting of quartz gravel, quartz sand, rock powder, and high-quality epoxy resin. This engineered material provides distinct advantages over traditional cast iron or steel tombstones, including:

• Lightweight – Easier handling and reduced machine load compared to traditional cast iron tombstones.
• Vibration Damping with Dynamic Stiffness – Absorbs vibrations effectively while maintaining the necessary rigidity for stable machining.
• Comparable Machining Performance – Delivers similar performance to cast iron tombstones in terms of accuracy and stability.
• Minimized Thermal Expansion – Greater dimensional stability in varying temperatures, reducing the risk of thermal distortion.
• Chemical Resistance – Withstands exposure to oils, coolants, alkalis, and acids, ensuring long-term durability in harsh machining environments.

Because tombstones support the workpiece during machining, their dynamic response becomes part of the entire system. The goal of this whitepaper was to measure the dynamics individually and then as part of a machine setup. All tests were conducted by Dr. Tony L. Schmitz, a world renowned mechanical engineering professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and joint faculty at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, who specializes in machine tool research and manufacturing engineering. Review this whitepaper to learn more about what tombstone material best suits your application.

Featured Highlights

• The Economics of Workholding Systems
• Design of Workholding Systems
• Cutting Forces in Milling
• The Role of Stiffness in Workholding