Milling

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.

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.

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.

BIG KAISER announces the release of new insert holders for face grooving. The new accessories are specifically designed to fit the BIG KAISER large diameter series 318 and series 319 SW twin-cutter boring heads for ultimate system flexibility, according to the company.

Once word got out that PTooling, a self-described small, family-owned machine shop in Amherstburg, Canada, had added a Lasertec 65 3D laser deposition welding and milling machine to its arsenal, major aerospace manufacturers began knocking on its door.

Dormer Pramet has expanded its indexable offer for turning and milling applications.

F. Zimmermann GmbH has brought its first horizontal machining center onto the market. The new model range is particularly useful for efficient machining of standard components for the aircraft industry. It has two special patented features, applying to pallet handling and the travelling column.

Niagara Cutter has expanded its range of endmills for high-feed milling applications. The new Niagara SNn200R/400R/500R solid-carbide endmills with 2-, 4- and 5-flute options allow parts manufacturers to achieve maximum productivity when performing face, slot and select plunge milling operations.

BLM GROUP USA has announced the introduction of the LT-FREE―a 5-axis, fiber laser machine for cutting 3D formed or shaped parts such as bent tubes, hydroformed tubes, welded assemblies and stamped or flat sheets. The part does not move during the cutting operation as the laser head's freedom of movement reportedly guarantees the highest flexibility and accuracy to produce parts.