Heavy-duty turning with eight cutting edges

Kennametal has released its FIX8 heavy-duty turning system, delivering maximum metal removal rates in steel, stainless steel and cast iron. With eight cutting edges per insert, the FIX8 turning system increases productivity of any heavy-duty turning operation, providing low cost per edge while reducing cutting forces by up to 15%.

“From medium depths-of-cut to roughing in steels, cast iron and challenging materials like stainless steel, FIX8 handles it all,” says Matthew Fuerst, product manager at Kennametal. “Even extreme feed rates of up to 1.4 mm and depths-of-cut up to 12 mm are possible.”

The tangential design of the FIX8 insert features a rigid clamping system that pulls the insert securely into the pocket seat, offering high stability that enables the insert to withstand large cutting forces and vibrations for optimal performance. Importantly, the insert is also supported by a replaceable carbide shim, protecting the pocket against deformation and damage.

Kennametal says that the FIX8 tool holder features precision 3D coolant technology, supplying sufficient cutting fluid precisely where needed. Three coolant nozzles are directed to the rake face, controlling temperature, chip evacuation and supporting chip formation. Coolant exit holes in two different locations are directed toward the flank of the insert, controlling heat in the cutting zone and prolonging tool life.

FIX8 provides chip control for any heavy-duty turning application while increasing tool life, says the company. The insert design reduces cutting forces and power consumption, making it suitable for any low-power lathe.

For further information
www.kennametal.com

Building the world’s tallest observation wheel

Nidec ASI, part of the Nidec Group’s Energy & Infrastructure Division, has played a key role in the building of Ain Dubai, the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel. The company has taken care of the control system and enabled an exceptional user experience, two central aspects of the project. Some of the world’s best design engineers and partners have been involved in planning and developing Ain Dubai, which towers over the spectacular Bluewaters island destination. Uniqueness, excellence in engineering, technology and safety all combine to create a world-class entertainment experience.

For further information www.nidec-industrial.com

Belman relies on cutting tools from ITC

Belman Engineering has grown from a subcontract machining service provider to the Formula One industry into a multi-service business. The company offers fast turnaround five-axis CNC machining for metallic and composite components from its sites in Milton Keynes and Birmingham.

To squeeze every ounce of productivity out of the machines while reducing its costs, Belman has invested in cutting tools from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC). The relationship started when the company, which operates 24/7, employed Craig Smith as its new head of production. Smith had worked with ITC in several previous roles and his experience of the service, support and, of course, the product quality opened the door for local ITC representative Gary Bambrick to visit and assess the situation.

Smith says: “When Gary visited, his initial assessment was that ITC could reduce our annual tooling costs from £100,000 per year to £60,000. This ambitious aim would be achieved through a number of different strategies.”

Over a period of time, Bambrick applied a variety of cutting tools, such as the ITC series of 4081 four-flute coated end mills, the 3081 three-flute series, and the 4032, 2172, 2071, 4121 and 2302 ranges that encompass square, ball nose and radius tools in a variety of diameters. A number of these ranges have also been supplied as uncoated, coated and diamond coated in the case of the 4121 and 2302 series. Yielding productivity gains, as well as an ability to reduce tooling inventory for Belman Engineering, the cost reductions soon became apparent. Indeed, despite the ambitious aim to reduce tooling costs from £100,000 to £60,000, ITC has surpassed this saving and is continually striving to create additional cost reductions and productivity improvements for Belman Engineering.

For further information
www.itc-ltd.co.uk

New generation of micro drills

Sandvik Coromant has launched two micro-drill families for precision machining. CoroDrill 462 with -XM geometry and CoroDrill 862 with -GM geometry support industries that demand small parts, such as medical, automotive, electronics and aerospace. Designed to cover a variety of workpiece materials, CoroDrill 462 and 862 are available in new geometries to offer a wide range of cutting diameters and lengths.

The drills have been specially adapted to overcome the challenges of micro drilling. For instance, it is critical to have quality coolant to effectively evacuate chips when performing deep-hole drilling with micro tools. Both CoroDrill 462 and 862 can easily drill hole depths of up to 9xD when using external coolant. A through-coolant option is also available for drilling diameters of 1 mm and above, and hole depths of up to 16xD. Not only does the effective use of coolant help the tools to drill deeper holes, but it also extends tool life and reduces the risk of chip jamming.

Suitable for drilling both blind and through holes, the drill is capable of machining a variety of materials, including ISO P, M, K, N, S, O and H. Drill depths up to 6xD are available.

CoroDrill 862 is for making holes from 1 to 3 mm in diameter in all materials when used with internal coolant. In addition to conventional drilling, CoroDrill 862 supports a variety of other drilling activities, including cross holes, stack drilling and drilling convex and concave surfaces.

Although available as off-the-shelf solid carbide tools, both the CoroDrill 462 and 862 are available for customisation. Furthermore, customers have the option of purchasing CoroDrill 862 with a PCD vein cutting edge.

For further information
www.sandvik.coromant.com

GM CNC builds warehouse extension

As the sole UK and Ireland agent for the Victor range of CNC machine tools, the GM Group is currently extending its warehousing facilities in Oldham to support business growth. Set for completion in spring 2022, the new facility will expand the warehousing space from its existing 16,000 to over 30,000 sq ft. The extra space will house more machine tools, as well as pre-owned machinery, a training area, new open-plan office facilities, a new reception area and meeting rooms. This expansion adds to existing facilities in Bolton.

GM director Nicola Howard says: “From a customer service perspective, the extension will enable us to further reduce lead times, with the ability to hold more new and used stock machines. Additionally, customers will be able to visit the new showroom to witness demonstrations of the very latest machine tool technology. The extension will be serviced by a new 21.5 m span, 20-tonne Street overhead crane with a distance of over 9.8 m under the hook.”

For further information www.gm-cnc.com