Behind the scenes at the Royal Mint: Master tools
TLDRThe video script offers an intriguing look into the Royal Mint's coin and medal production process. It highlights the use of a CNC milling machine to create precise tools, explaining the intricate details of cutting designs into metal blanks. The video emphasizes the importance of tooling dies in striking coins and the creation of a working punch, which is crucial for producing coins with varying designs and updated annual dates. The narrator's 38 years of experience in observing these designs adds a personal touch, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and engineering marvel behind the seemingly simple coin.
Takeaways
- 🏭 The Royal Mint uses advanced machinery like CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machines to create tools necessary for minting coins and medals.
- 🔧 The process starts with designing the coin, which includes selecting the appropriate cutters and setting up the machine to cut the desired design.
- 💰 The value of the coin is not only determined by the metal it's made from but also by the design and significance of the occasion it represents.
- 🔨 CNC machines are capable of handling heavy materials like gold, with the example given being the processing of a 5kg gold piece.
- 📈 The complexity of the process is highlighted by the fine tolerances required and the high-speed operation of the cutters, which can reach thousands of RPM.
- 🛠 The creation of a coin involves not only the coin itself but also the tooling dies that are used to strike the coins, which are made on the same machines.
- 🔄 The tooling process involves creating a master tool, known as a working punch, which is then used to produce the actual coin dies.
- 👑 The Royal Mint has a long history, with one craftsman mentioned having 38 years of experience, highlighting the expertise and tradition involved in coin production.
- 🔄 The need for tooling dies is immense, especially when considering the production of new currency or changes to existing designs, such as updating the year or the monarch's image.
- 🌐 The Royal Mint's operations and the intricacies of coin production are documented and shared through their website, royalbitmuseum.org.uk.
Q & A
What is the significance of having the correct tools for making coins and medals?
-The correct tools are essential for the precision and quality of the coins and medals produced. Without the proper equipment, such as CNC milling machines, the intricate designs and specific dimensions required for currency cannot be accurately achieved.
How does a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine operate?
-A CNC machine operates mainly on a program that controls its movements. It uses a spindle to perform cutting actions, and a carousel with different size cutters that revolve to shape the design into the blank material, such as metal.
What is the role of the spindle in the CNC machine?
-The spindle is the part of the CNC machine that performs the cutting action. It is similar to a drill bit and operates at high speeds, spiraling around the blank to eventually cut the design into it.
What is the significance of the design on a coin in terms of its value?
-The design on a coin can significantly increase its value, especially if it commemorates anniversaries or other significant occasions. The value is also affected by the weight and purity of the metal used, such as gold.
How are coins typically produced at the Royal Mint?
-Coins are typically produced by striking, which involves using a mold or die to shape the coin. This process is different from direct cutting, which is not the norm for making coins.
What is a tooling die and how is it used in coin production?
-A tooling die is a shaped tool used to strike a number of coins. It is not directly cut as a coin but is used in a press to create the coin's design. The die has threads at the back to be inserted into the press and strike the coin blank.
How does the process of crafting a coin involve CNC machines?
-CNC machines are used to create the initial blank shape of the coin and to carve the detailed design into the tooling dies. The process starts with a blank, which is then shaped and transferred to the CNC machine for the cutting of the design.
What is the working punch in coin production?
-The working punch is the tool that is used to create the impression for the coin's design in the die. It is created from the master tool department and is used in the striking process to produce the final coin.
How often does the design on a UK pound coin change?
-The design on a UK pound coin typically changes every year to update the date. However, significant changes, such as a new image of the Queen, may occur less frequently, such as every 70 years.
What is the role of the master tool in coin production?
-The master tool is the original from which the working punches and tooling dies are created. It contains the perfect design that is replicated into the working punches, which are then used to make the actual coins.
Why is the process of making coins and the machinery involved considered mind-blowing?
-The process of making coins is considered mind-blowing because it takes a seemingly simple object and involves a high level of thought, skill, and precision in both the creation of the coin and the machinery that produces it. The complexity and craftsmanship behind this process are often underestimated and are fascinating to learn about.
Outlines
🏭 Royal Mint's Coin Production Tools
This paragraph introduces the process of making coins and medals at the Royal Mint, emphasizing the importance of having the correct tools. It explains the use of a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machine to create designs on coins, including the role of the spindle and carousel with different size cutters. The fine tolerances required for these operations are mentioned, as well as the value of the gold used in the coins and the significance of the design, such as anniversaries or other occasions. The paragraph also touches on the concept of striking coins and the need for molds, known as tooling dies, and how they are made on the same machine that creates the coins.
🛠️ Crafting Precision Tools at the Royal Mint
The second paragraph delves into the post-production process of the coins, highlighting the marks and ridges that result from the cutting process. It introduces James McGrath, who explains the concept of a 'working punch,' a tool derived from the master tool department. The paragraph describes the creation of the working punch and how it is used to make the actual coins, including the need for thousands of these tools, especially during currency changes or updates, such as changing the date on the UK pound coin. The speaker expresses admiration for the engineering and precision involved in both making the coins and the machines and tools used in the process.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Royal Mint
💡CNC Milling Machine
💡Tooling Dies
💡Working Punch
💡Coin Production
💡Design and Anniversaries
💡Tolerances
💡Press
💡Engineering
💡Currency
💡Royal Mint Museum
Highlights
The Royal Mint uses CNC (computer numerical control) milling machines to create tools for making coins and medals.
The spindle on the CNC machine is responsible for the cutting process.
A carousel with different size cutters is used to create intricate designs on coins.
The tolerances for the design cut by the machine are very fine, ensuring high-quality coin production.
The value of a coin is determined by its gold content and the significance of the design.
Coins are typically struck, not directly cut, and require molds or tooling dies for production.
Tooling dies are created on the same CNC machine that makes the coins, but are shaped differently for mass production.
The process of making a coin involves starting with a blank, cutting the design, and then striking it to create the final product.
Craftsmanship and precision are crucial in the creation of tooling dies, with some specialists having decades of experience.
The working punch is a master tool created from the master tool department, used to produce the final tooling dies.
The Royal Mint has produced thousands of tooling dies, especially when introducing new currencies or updating existing ones.
The design on a coin may change annually, particularly with the date, while other elements like the Queen's image may change less frequently.
The creation of coins and the machinery involved is a complex process that requires significant thought, skill, and engineering.
The Royal Mint's process showcases the intricacies of engineering in creating something as seemingly simple as a coin.
For more information on the Royal Mint's processes and history, visit their website at royalbitmuseum.org.uk.
Transcripts
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