Milling

Machine shops faced with identifying ways of achieving secure machining with long and predictable insert life in steel milling operations can turn to GC1130, an insert made with the Zertivo, a unique production technology from Sandvik Coromant. GC1130 helps to overcome challenging machining conditions with a clean and intact edge, delivering high metal-removal rates and performance levels in both wet and dry machining operations.

NTK Cutting Tools offers a line of high-feed cutters (HFC) for milling aluminum. This series maximizes teeth/cutter, from seven teeth on the 50mm-dia. cutter to 22 teeth on a 125mm-dia. cutter, to reduce production time.

Tongtai's brand new iVU-5 from Absolute Machine Tools Inc. is a rotary-type ultrasonic assisted machining center that operates as a dual function vertical machining center combined with rotary ultrasonic assisted machining of advanced materials. The Tongtai iVU offers X, Y, Z-axes travels of 500mm (20") x 400mm (15.7") x 350mm (13.8").

LACH DIAMOND introduces its newly developed PCD cartridge milling cutter »dia-blue-power«. A PCD monoblock milling cutter with brazed cutting edges, chip and shear angle and a large chip space created the basis for better performance and cost reductions in the automobile and composite industries, according to the company.

Modern cutting tools that meet today's growing demands for tolerance, performance and efficiency can only be produced economically under optimal production conditions. A look behind the scenes at the global tool manufacturer, Jongen Tool GmbH, and their new production facility in Germany reveals the technical complexity involved in manufacturing inserts and solid carbide end mills with consistent high quality. In order to accomplish all this, Jongen employs modern grinding and measuring technology as well as fine filtration systems "made in Germany" by VOMAT.

Cutting Solutions by CERATIZIT has introduced the MaxiMill 491 milling system, engineered for easier use, more parts per shift, faster changeovers and profiles of exactly 90°. The MaxiMill 491 system offers eight smooth-cutting edges per insert to provide significant increases in production and savings, the company said.

Walter has introduced the Walter BLAXX M3016, a heavy-duty milling cutter with the ruggedness and power needed to make heavy cuts seem easy. The M3016 tackles ISO material groups P, M and K, and difficult applications such as machining frames made from cast iron for large molds, or housings for wind energy rotor hubs.

Want a good reason for lubricating the moving parts of machine tools? Here's one from Klüber Lubrication NA LP, Londonderry, N.H., a developer of specialty lubricants: Lubrication of machine tool components minimizes wear. "When a component in a machining center wears—whether it's a spindle bearing, a ball-screw, a gear or whatever—you start to lose precision," said Steve Mazzola, Klüber's director of engineering. "And when you lose precision in a machining center, you may produce parts that are out of spec."

The expression "There's more than one way to skin a cat" certainly applies to machining. A young programmer in our shop is constantly being run in circles by the whims of those in authority. Newcomers are in a difficult position; they not only lack experience, they generally want to please everybody.

Every parts manufacturer, regardless of size, has some sort of training program, and programs are nearly as varied as the companies themselves. Whether it's something as simple as handing out a pamphlet about company policy or as involved as an apprenticeship program, it's just a given: Where there are employees, there is training. However, while some companies regard it as a necessary evil, others have found that investing in this universal necessity yields substantial benefits—and, in the long run, actually saves money.

Walter has introduced the Tiger·tec Silver grade WSM45X, creating an indexable inserts with high-temperature resistance, improved wear resistance, outstanding toughness, and exceptional hardness. These key features of inserts in the new Tiger·tec Silver grade WSM45X can boost performance by up to 67 percent over comparable tools, according to the company.

Offering high productivity and a low cost per edge, the CoroMill 745 from Sandvik Coromant has a double-sided, multiedge design that is ideal for large batch productions. With its tilted insert positioning system and sharp cutting edges, this milling cutter offers a light cutting action at low power consumption.