Cutting Tools

Improvements in cermet and ceramic inserts have made them a good choice for high-speed milling. This article describes how the compositions and designs of these newer inserts make them tough enough to withstand the punishment of a milling operation while maintaining the hardness that makes them wear-resistant.

The economic benefits of high-speed machining can be lost if the wrong tools are used. This article describes the types of solid-carbide drills and endmills that can ensure long-running performance. It also covers the proper handling and setup of these tools.

Most people know that using the right grade of insert can improve
productivity dramatically. Few know that the proper grade is also important
when utilizing round tools. The author examines the different types of
carbide grades available for round tools.

Many end users would like to see carbide tool standards that would ensure consistent quality in tools from shipment to shipment or between manufacturers. Today's C and ISO designations do not provide this assurance, according to this article. The article looks at the problems that arise because of a lack of standards and the attempts being made to guarantee consistent quality in the shop.

Article discusses the disadvantages of carrying too many grades of carbide inserts. Often, using a less-than-optimal grade can save a machine shop money.

The growing use of difficult-to-machine materials has driven the metalcutting industry to high-performance tools. This article reviews the trends that are behind most cutting tool research today, and it looks at the state-of-the art results of that research.

This article makes the argument that an insert is really a system made up of a combination of factors. The focus of the article is on one of these factors: the top-form geometry, which has evolved from the chipbreaker designs used primarily on turning inserts. The roles these geometries play and the selection process for choosing the right geometry are explained.

This article looks at the close partnership forged between a toolmaker and a machine tool manufacturer. The alliance requires the two to share detailed information about proposed products as well as the customers each is working with. Such cooperation has made it possible to develop several new products and processes.

This article provides a review of the research and technology trends that will shape metalcutting in the years to come. Innovations in workpiece materials, coatings, machine tool design and nontraditional machining are explored.

A new cryogenic tool treatment subjects tools to minus-320-degree temperatures by immersing them in a bath of liquid nitrogen. This article details the procedure and offers test results from the laboratory and the field that show how the treatment can extend tool life.