Mini Goes Deeper: Turning Performance

The latest addition to the Mini line from Paul Horn GmbH, the Mini 114 allows face grooving up to 10 mm deep. “Until this new addition, the deepest you could go with this system was 6 mm,” noted Michael Morgan, application and sales engineer at Horn USA Inc. in Franklin, Tennessee.

Horn says the insert is designed for turning and copy turning of axial grooves. The company offers the EG55 carbide grade grooving tool in three standard types with cutting widths of 2 mm, 2.5 mm and 3 mm. The minimum grooving diameter is 14 mm, while the maximum is 34-36 mm, depending on the type.

Compatible with the existing Mini axial holder system, the Mini 114 does not require a special tool holder. Like other members of the Mini line, Morgan points out that Mini 114 inserts are paired with low-vibration carbide holders that, unlike their steel counterparts, won’t cause chatter or vibration issues at greater length-to-diameter ratios. As a result, he said, the inserts will produce a good surface finish even with long overhangs.

As the name suggests, the face-screwed inserts of the Mini system are small tools for small part manufacturing. The tools have proven to be particularly effective for boring and internal grooving as well as for face grooving, according to Horn.