IMCO Carbide Tool announced a January launch for a new high-performance end mill designed specifically to overcome the challenges of machining in high-temperature alloys.

"The new INCONEX line is a real breakthrough in productivity for machining in Inconel, Hastalloy, Waspalloy, and similar high-temp alloys," said Perry Osburn, IMCO president.

Tested in-house against an array of competitor's end mills and IMCO's Omega-6 design, INCONEX end mills lasted up to three times longer than competitors' designs and twice as long as the Omega-6 tools.

"Today's high-temp alloys were engineered to hold up under some of the worst conditions on the planet," said Matt Osburn, IMCO vice president, operations. "When you're machining, those same high-strength properties become barriers to productivity. They can chew through conventional cutting tools in no time. INCONEX M8 Series tools are designed with high-strength properties and a special chip creation design to break through those barriers and keep on going."

New INCONEX M8 Series tools feature a carbide core with 20 percent higher transverse rupture strength and six flutes with optimized rake and relief angles for maximum cutting edge engagement. Advanced AlCrNX coating protects the tool's specially engineered cutting edges from the intense heat generated in the cutting zone.

"Then we developed a new chip creation design," explained Steve Avers, application support team leader. "Each cutting edge is specially shaped to reduce edge wearing stress in the cutting zone. An added benefit of the new design is much smaller chips that can be easily flushed from the work zone."

"With increased demand for hi-temp alloys in the aerospace and energy industries, INCONEX M8 Series tools will fill a real need for longer tool life," said IMCO Sales Manager Tim Elfreich. "It's a big step ahead."

Features include:

• All tools made with corner radius to revent chipping in "crazy-strong" metals.

• Specially designed cutting edges to reduce edge damaging stresses in the cutting zone for longer tool life.

• Tough carbide core offers higher transverse rupture strength for longer tool life.

• Six high-strength flutes provides higher cutting-edge engagement and more cutting edges for longer tool life.

• Optimized rake and relief angle, with premium eccentric grind and edge treatment for prolonged wear.

• Advanced AlCrNX coating to keep tool lubricated and cutting longer in high-temperature alloys.

• Neck relief option to improve stability, minimize flute length and maximize reach.