With the FW4 and MW4 wiper geometries, Walter is introducing two turning indexable insert geometries. The new FW4 and MW4 combine the ‘wiper effect’ with new chip-breaker geometries and wear-resistant Walter Tiger•tec Gold grades. Walter’s curved wiper edge sweeps over the machined surface again, making it possible to either double the feed rate and increase productivity by 100%, or significantly improve the surface quality while maintaining the same feed rate.

With these new geometries, Walter is now transferring this effect from the existing FW5 and MW5 double-sided cutting inserts to indexable inserts with a positive basic shape. The result is the FW4 geometry with a narrow chip breaker for finishing operations and the MW4 geometry with an open chip-breaker groove and longer wiper cutting edge radius for medium machining.

Both geometries are for universal application in ISO materials P, M and K, as well as for secondary applications in ISO S materials. The FW4 and MW4 geometries make it possible to achieve improved surface quality, productivity and process reliability thanks to the wiper edge with its curved design. This curved wiper design also helps when the machine is not aligned 100%, for example after a crash or with slightly offset turrets.

As a further advantage, the new chip breakers increase the chip-breaking range with higher feed rates, resulting in less machine downtime caused by ‘birds nesting’. Higher feed rates reduce machining times and therefore contact times, increasing tool life and reducing the number of tool changes. The combination of double the productivity and/or surface quality is particularly appealing for series manufacturers.
For further information www.walter-tools.com

Kennametal reports that its Harvi solid-carbide end mills will be included as a preferred product in Lockheed Martin’s internal machining guide. The resource, produced by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ Operations Technology group for internal operations and engineering, as well as global supply-chain partners, identifies the most effective parameters and processes for machining material-specific aerospace components.

“We’re honoured to be a long-time supplier to Lockheed Martin and have our Harvi III end milling portfolio featured in one of its most invaluable machining guides,” says Keith Mudge, Kennametal VP -metal cutting sales, Americas. “We work closely with customers like Lockheed Martin to solve problems and deliver the utmost accuracy in machining. The inclusion of Harvi end mills in this internal resource is a testament to our commitment in the industry and our high standard of excellence.”

Kennametal says that its Harvi solid-carbide end mill portfolio is an industry staple because of its ability to outperform other end mill tools when working on hard-to-machine aerospace materials like titanium and Inconel.A signature Kennametal brand and bestseller, Harvi end mills deliver time and cost savings in aerospace operations with fastmetal removal rates and longer tool life, reports the company.

Users experience maximum productivity from Harvi-style end mills with features like the
Harvi 1 TE’s twisted cutting edge for increased corner stability and ramping and helical interpolation operations. Further stand-out features include: proprietary relief from anti-vibration-anti-friction technology; unequal divided flutes, including some with variable helix, enabling vibration dampening and unmatched feed rates; and an innovative flute design with chip gashes to reduce cutting forces and promote more efficient chip evacuation.

In April, Kennametal launched a new end mill grade called KCSM15A and will be expanding its Harvi product lines further this autumn.
For further information www.kennametal.com