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.

The new face grooving system can be used as either a single or twin cutter grooving tool for diameter ranges from 2.087" to 118" in diameter. The design allows for a grooving depth up to 0.472", with a minimum width of 0.079" and a maximum of 0.375".

Face grooving with boring tools is generally more efficient than milling with circular interpolation, especially when manufacturing grooves of large diameters. Also, whenever a surface for a sealing application is required, there is no other acceptable or accurate option than to use a face grooving setup.

Using the boring tools as twin cutters, with a simultaneous adjustment in radius and length, allows the feed rate to be increased. Using the cutters in diameter offset operation enables a groove width of up to 0.472", and both inside and outside diameters can be adjusted separately within the smallest tolerances. Both cutting edges can be adjusted easily to the same length, due to an eccentric bolt mechanism with clear direction indication.

"BIG KAISER products give our customers an unparalleled combination of quality, precision and ruggedness," said Jack Burley, BIG KAISER vice president of sales and engineering. "These new face grooving holders uphold that tradition, while adding additional options to the applications possible with our SW twin cutter and large diameter series 318 system."