Latest Walter grooving tools

The Cut DX18 double-edged grooving and parting-off system has been launched by Walter GB. With novel lateral clamping, the system is said to elevate performance standards, especially on Swiss-type automatic lathes and multi-spindle machines.

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This newly developed tool is the latest addition to Walter’s ever-expanding grooving and parting-off range that offers users increased tool life and high process reliability in quick cycle times, says the company. Suitable for parting diameters of up to 35 mm, DX18 features a positive engagement system – the insert geometry lends itself to being locked securely – as opposed to conventional screw clamping where the characteristics of the cutting forces mean that existing clamping forces are insufficient, with negative effects on machining quality and process reliability.
A further innovation with the Walter Cut DX18 is the use of the SmartLock system in the G4014 tool holders, which simplifies insert changeover. Rather than having to remove the entire tool (often in cramped and ‘oily’ machine conditions), SmartLock’s insert clamping screw is changeable to either side of the tool for easy and quick insert change, with a blanking plug provided to protect the unused side. Thanks to the positive engagement, a new insert – even those of very narrow width – will always locate correctly.
The potential of the system has been successfully proven in tests on a Swiss-type automatic lathe, where the customer particularly liked not having to remove the tool for insert changing. An outer diameter of 12 mm was parted off from 1.4057 high-tensile martensitic stainless steel – the cutting-edge width was 2 mm. DX18 more than doubled tool life compared with the single-edged alternative, and with maximum process reliability and productivity.
For further information www.walter-tools.com

Helical end mill for titanium alloys

Kyocera has introduced its MECHT range of indexable milling cutters. Due to its tool geometry, MECHT is suited to applications in shoulder face milling, plunge cutting and slot milling, as well as ramping. Like the entire MEC series from Kyocera, MECHT offers a positive and very light-cutting action, which achieves 90° shoulders and smooth surfaces.

Compared with conventional milling cutters in this category, the Kyocera product is characterised by a new combination of insert sizes. The larger bottom inserts are positioned at the first stage of the tool holder to handle higher cutting forces. This configuration stabilises titanium alloy machining and improves fracture resistance. At the same time, the design ensures higher reliability, as the bottom inserts are held in place by double-faced contacts. Another advantage is that the new flute design prevents chips from clogging.
The chip breakers require a significantly lower cutting force than other cutters, says the company. Due to this extremely sharp cutting performance, heat development at the cutting edge is kept to a minimum, which again ensures long tool life. Furthermore, MECHT was developed with heat-resistant MegaCoat Nano coating technology. The tough PVD-coating (PR1535) increases the breaking strength of the product, as well as the stable and long-lasting application possibilities.
For further information https://uk.kyocera.com/

Ricardo begins face shield production

As a part of the national effort to provide much needed PPE in the fight against COVID-19, Ricardo has turned to the production of face shields that will be used by frontline NHS healthcare staff, as well as key workers in the care sector.

To ensure that these essential PPE items can get to NHS employees who need them as quickly as possible, facilities at Ricardo’s Technical Centres in Shoreham and Leamington Spa are being repurposed as assembly lines and logistics centres for face shields. Ricardo used its manufacturing supply chain expertise to engage with an injection moulding partner, to create a tool capable of high-volume manufacture.
For further information https://ricardo.com/

Fast and accurate tooling

A high-precision, quick-change tooling system has been launched by Dormer Pramet for a variety of internal and external turning applications. Suitable for use on multi-tasking machines, the polygon shank coupling (PSC) is a spindle interface which promotes higher productivity through reduced set-up time and faster, more precise machining, reports the company.

Dormer Pramet’s PSC achieves this performance by deploying a tapered polygon cone shank and flange surface, which supports a high degree of rigidity. With accuracy in X, Y and Z of ±2 µm, PSC holders provide a high level of repeatability. In addition, a reduced overhang length minimises vibration and runout inaccuracy for a high-quality surface finish, making it suitable for both aerospace and general machining applications.
Connected by a triangular conical structure and cross section, which uses 1/20 taper, the PSC features internal coolant channels and a steel tool holder. More than 130 items are available, including a variety of tool-holder styles, internal tools, interface types and shank sizes.
For further information www.dormerpramet.com

10,000 blades

Rockwood Composites and Leonardo have marked the 10th anniversary of their partnership with delivery of the 10,000th blade for the towed decoy on the Eurofighter Typhoon.

All parts are fully CNC machined and supplied paint-ready on a just-in-time basis. Rockwood has also supplied Leonardo with connector plates for the wing. Holly Jones, senior subcontract buyer at Leonardo in the UK, says: “Our 10-year partnership with Rockwood is testament to their ability to deliver quality composite components, consistently, when we need them.”
For further information www.rockwoodcomposites.com