Kennametal has introduced a new line of digital-ready fine boring tools that is said to make precision adjustment easy, enabling more productive, predictable and accurate boring.

The eBore fine-boring system consists of cutting units to cover a diameter range from 6 to 1020 mm, and an optional digital display that makes precision adjustments as simple as turning a screw.
“For many workpieces, the boring operation is often the final step, and a simple mistake can lead to scrapped parts,” says global product manager Marcus Paul. “The eBore does away with the traditional ´count the graduations´ approach to boring and reduces costly mistakes. We’ve found there is tremendous operator acceptance due to its simplicity and ease-of-use. And because the same eBore digital device can be used across multiple types of tools and on various machines, it’s easy on the budget.”
Offering no-mistake adjustments and accuracy to within 2 µm, Kennametal´s eBore digital device is an optional – though extremely useful – part of the Kennametal digital boring system. The chip and coolant-resistant device contains a glass scale that keeps track of boring-bar movement. Simply snap it in place, turn the boring head’s adjustment screw by the desired amount, and the tool is ready for the next boring operation.
Ultimately, with eBore, there is no need to remove the boring head from the spindle for adjustment, nor to count graduations or take notes. Concerns over backlash and movement due to overtightening of the boring head’s locking screw are a thing of the past, as are endless test cuts and ‘sneaking up on the bore’. The result is less scrap, less downtime and faster set ups. The device shuts off automatically after 30 seconds and provides more than 5000 adjustments between battery changes.
For further information www.kennametal.com

Mapal has introduced a completely new line of solid-carbide end mills – the OptiMill-3D series – which has been specially developed for the tool and mould-making industry. Along with extremely heat-resistant coatings and special carbide substrates, the new cutting tools are characterised by dimensions and geometries specifically adapted to mould making.

Suitable for milling hard parts in the domain of 45 to 66 HRc, the OptiMill-3D-HF-Hardened is offered with four or six cutting edges. Mapal has developed the two variants for high-feed milling on particularly challenging materials. In addition, to optimise performance and longevity on challenging tasks like interrupted cutting, the company has developed special face geometry.
The four-flute tool is the primary choice for roughing and pre-finishing. Available from 2 to 16 mm diameter, the four-flute tool is suitable for long overhang applications such as machining in deep cavities.
Also designed for roughing and pre-finishing, the six-flute series is said to demonstrate impressive characteristics when finishing flat surfaces with a high feed rate. Moreover, with a PVD coating, the tool dissipates heat generation to ensure tool life is prolonged. Available from 6 to 16 mm diameter, the OptiMill-3D-HF-Hardened is complemented by the three and four-flute OptiMill-3D-HF for softer material machining.
Also new to the solid carbide range is the new OptiMill-3D-CR-Hardened with a corner radius. Suitable for finishing 3D mould tools up to a hardness of 66 HRc, this line produces smooth, high-gloss surface finishes when machining at maximum feed rates. Offered in diameters from 4 to 12 mm with accurate corner radii of 0.5, 1 and 2 mm, the PVD coated OptiMill-3D-CR-Hardened is available with a selection of different lengths to suit the machining demands of users.
For further information www.mapal.com