Cutting Tools

Toolmaker Walter USA LLC, Waukesha, Wis., has expanded its Walter Xpress line to include specials with the addition of indexable insert tools for drilling, boring and counterboring. Using customer-specific parameters for drilling and boring applications, including diameter, number of steps (up to three), step lengths, chamfer angles, relevant cutting tool material options, insert shapes, machine features and cooling, the Walter configuration system designs the required tool and generates comprehensive documentation, including a 3D model.

On Sept. 10, the Guinness World Record for the "World's Largest Coin Mosaic" was broken during the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago. In an effort to raise awareness of the role the manufacturing industry plays in the U.S. economy and the opportunities it presents for the next generation of workers, the mosaic incorporated more than $65,000 worth of coins to represent the amount of money manufacturing contributes to the U.S. economy each second.

Sandvik Coromant, Fair Lawn, N.J., is dedicating the months of July, August and September to raise money for "Workshops for Warriors." For every pound of carbide received for recycling during those months, Sandvik Coromant will donate $1 to the non-profit organization that is dedicated to training, certifying and placing veterans into manufacturing careers.  

Allied Machine & Engineering Corp., Dover, Ohio, broke ground July 15 on the second phase of its expansion project. The project involves a 30,000-sq.-ft. addition to its West Third Street facility, which includes R&D space, training areas, offices and a cafeteria. The addition is expected to cost $15.1 million.

MRO distributor MSC Industrial Supply Co., Melville, N.Y., has launched its new ControlPoint inventory management solution, which combines MSC's existing suite of software, hardware and service expertise into a unified inventory management portfolio that allows customers to leverage technology to achieve greater visibility and control over their MRO spending, with the goal of improved productivity and profitability across the supply chains, according to the company.

Toolmaker TDC Cutting Tools Inc. announced the expansion of its operations and established its global headquarters in Seneca, S.C., resulting in 38 new positions at the facility. The company will invest $8.2 million in the construction of the new TDC Overseas campus, including a 32,000-sq.-ft. office building and a 10,000-sq.-ft. recycling center.

Joe Braun, general manager of Indianapolis machine tool builder Hurco North America, announced that Hurco will hold its inaugural Chipmaker Challenge contest for entrepreneurs in manufacturing. The contest gives new shops the chance to pitch their business plans for a chance to win their choice of a Hurco VMX42i mill or TM8i lathe. 

Toolmaker Seco Tools LLC, Troy, Mich., a technical and supplier sponsor of Andretti Autosport's Verizon IndyCar Series championship racing team, invited customers from across the Midwest to attend an Indy 500 practice day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The day included a meet and greet with IRL driver Marco Andretti, a tour of the Andretti Autosport garage, a catered lunch in the team's suite at the track and a visit to the pits to watch the Indy cars in action.

Toolmaker OSG Tap & Die, Glendale Heights, Ill., has announced its "Train the Nation 10 City Tour," a traveling seminar on high-speed machining for the die mold industry.

Kennametal Inc. completed the relocation of Kennametal Extrude Hone GmbH to its new location in Holzgünz, Germany, after a year of planning and construction. The new building combines several previously separate production and administrative sites in one new building, which is based on "green" design principles. The inauguration and a Technology Days event took place May 6-8 and an employee family day was held May 10. During Technology Days, Guest speakers from industry and academia universities provided insights into market developments and new technologies while Kennametal experts answered questions on metal cutting and other topics.