Cutting Tools & Tooling

Back in 2014, Kennametal announced a technology partnership with Haimer for the development of a modular cutting tooling system. Since that time, the company has been busy developing, testing, and building inventory of DUO-LOCK, which promised even then to be "the most rigid and most precise interface in the marketplace."nToday it's even better.

ABB Robotics unveiled its latest foundry robot for material handling and machine tending, the IRB 1200 Foundry Plus 2. This compact robot can increase flexibility and reduce cycle times for precision die casting processes such as smartphone cases and other electrical components.

"Manufacturers who conduct a lot of machining know that the cost of productivity of a machining operation is inextricably connected to the selection of the cutting tool and the process for managing them," writes GE Industry Analyst Andy Henderson in a GE Digital blog post.

Sandvik Hyperion offers Compax veined PCD. This product offers diamond sintered within slotted veins oriented along a 30 degree helix angle. Its nibs are designed specifically for use in machining of CFRP and CFRP-metal stacks.

Sandvik Hyperion is introducing diameter tolerances in high-performance endmill blanks described as RUGI. New tolerances exceed the industry standard with an advanced round tool blanks specification.

MK Tools solid-carbide round tools from Monaghan Tooling Group introduces new "Speed-Drill R4" geometry, reportedly offering unparalleled cutting speeds and unprecedented tool life when cutting gray cast iron, ductile iron and forged steel, which are popular materials in automotive engine and chassis components.

Todd Miller, manager, product marketing, Seco Tools LLC, covers the unique features of the company's Highfeed 6 cutter at IMTS 2016.

Walter says it has unveiled a technology that promises to dramatically improve machining effectiveness. Called Tiger·tec Gold, it is the latest iteration of Walter's successful line of Tiger·tec and Tiger·tec Silver coatings.

Walter has introduced its new Prototyp Advance line of solid-carbide milling tools for universal application. The new Advance milling cutter line consisting of six cutter types and 250 line items, each reportedly providing the ideal balance of hardness and toughness for the widest possible application, plus long tool life (increases of up to 50 percent) thanks to the Advance line's new high-performance WJ30TF grade and Walter's TiAIN coating.

WIDIA's Top Ream platform covers the majority of hole finishing needs, with diameters up to 42 mm (1.65 in.) and a range of edge preps and geometries available. The three keys to hole quality are diametral accuracy, form and position, and surface finish.

A full range of pneumatic saws and pipe machining tools that can cut all types of pipe, regardless of size and material, and prepare them for welding are available from Esco Tool.

Seco Tools LLC introduced the Niagara Cutter Stabilizer 2.0 during IMTS 2016. Jay Ball, Seco Tools product manager, Niagara Cutter Solid Endmills, covers the new aspects of the Stabilizer 2.0 in this brief video report.