Optimise tooling and cutting data instantly

Customers of Seco Tools can reduce the time they need for process optimisation with quick, expert tooling recommendations through the recently redesigned Suggest portlet, a free online resource available 24/7.

As machining jobs become more complex, tolerances tighter, delivery times shorter and skilled operators harder to find, shops need reliable access to advice that helps them find the most efficient tooling solutions. After a user enters key information about their machines and application requirements into Suggest, they receive authoritative recommendations and cutting data in less than a minute.

Suggest provides real-time access to Seco product information and recommended cutting data for most Seco products, enabling shops to minimise cycle times.

“Any reduction in machining time helps shops maintain competitive advantages, but traditional cutting tool selection can be difficult and time consuming, especially for less-experienced operators,” says Gerrit Kremer, global product manager – digital product services.

As more than one tooling solution can address each machining situation, Suggest also lists alternative products that may be a better fit for a user’s unique prerequisites. For shops that need to optimise thread programming, Suggest accompanies application details with fully optimised CNC code.

Newly optimised for even easier use, Suggest helps shops get cutting data and tooling recommendations quickly and accurately. With this comprehensive solution to their questions about cutting strategies, Seco Tools says that customers can leverage the company’s expertise to achieve their best production results.

For further information
www.secotools.com

Growth in grooving continues

Dormer Pramet has expanded its GL assortment for parting-off and deep grooving applications with a range of tools, double-edged inserts and geometries. The additions provide new tooling options for small part machining and grooving with a shorter overhang. These tools support copy profiling and longitudinal turning in a variety of materials.

The move follows the company’s development of its parting-off and grooving range in November 2019, when Dormer Pramet introduced the 25 mm GL insert and the G8330 PVD grade to provide a versatile and stable option when machining steel, stainless steel and cast iron.

These latest tools include new 12×12 holders to support additional radial operations, accommodating various insert widths and depth-of-cut capabilities. A reinforced brace design provides high rigidity and vibration resistance for good-quality surface finish.
Users can also benefit from set-up time savings due to an easily accessible clamping screw [30° angled] and a one-hand insert replacement feature.

The new Pramet tool holders include the universal GLSF (RL) EXT for an overhang of 24-32 mm and the GLSF (RL) EXT-G for grooving operations with a 10-12 mm overhang. GLSF (RL) EXT-S is the shank tool option and suitable for small parts machining and Swiss lathes. The long GL insert, which achieves 60% deeper capacity over the previous LCMF16 insert, is also now available in two new geometries, GM and MM. Both feature a positive T-land for prolonged tool life due to low cutting forces and reduced risk of built-up edge.

With a round cutting edge, the MM geometry is suitable for turning and copy profiling operations, while the GM geometry is for grooving and longitudinal turning.

For further information
www.dormerpramet.com

MTA president steps down from role

Andy Hodgson, president of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), has regrettably had to step down from the role (and as an MTA board member) for personal reasons. Dave Burley, senior advisor to the board of NCMT and current MTA vice-president, has kindly stepped into the position. James Selka, CEO of the MTA, says: “We are sorry to see Andy retire, but totally respect his decision. We’re incredibly lucky to have a talented and strong board representing our members, and are grateful and delighted to welcome Dave Burley into the role of president.”

For further information
www.mta.org.uk

Special tools on short delivery times

Via its Xpress rapid delivery service, Walter now offers its customers special tools delivered within four weeks, less than half the time it usually takes. Before now, customers were already able to order certain milling cutters, drills and indexable inserts via Walter Xpress. However, Walter is now adding grooving tools and cutting inserts to its range. As a result, the G1011 and G4011 monoblock grooving tools, and the double-edged and four-edged cutting inserts from the DX, GX and MX systems, are now available via the Walter Xpress service.

For further information
www.walter-tools.com

Sustainable manufacturing

The second annual National Manufacturing Summit will focus on sustainable manufacturing in the UK, which is working towards a net zero economy. Following on from COP26 and the successful inaugural National Manufacturing Summit in March, the 2022 event will be an opportunity to set a framework for sustainable manufacturing, pulling together the opportunities of emerging technologies and the need to remain globally competitive. The summit, hosted by the MTC in Coventry on 8-9 February will be a hybrid event featuring live, face-to-face presentations and discussions, as well as an interactive virtual audience.

For further information
https://nmsummit.co.uk