Milling

Fives' Universal Landis Twin Turret grinding machine's newly configured design provides a common platform for multiple machine configurations and processes. It is far stiffer than conventional machines, features remarkable thermal stability, and offers a compact machine footprint, according to the company.

Walter has announced the addition of the M4256, M4257 and M4258 high-performance helical milling cutters to its M4000 family. The M4000 program offers the advantages of a system insert concept that allows one insert style to be used in a variety of tools, permitting a wide array of milling operations.

Mazak developed its new VARIAXIS i-800T multitask machine specifically to enhance milling operations and significantly boost productivity, especially for those manufacturers in the aerospace industry.

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.

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.

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.

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.