TaeguTec has expanded its Rhino-Turn range with the introduction of the VNGX-ST chip breaker, a double-sided, four-corner insert developed for heavy-duty turning applications. The latest addition is designed to increase productivity, extend tool life and reduce tooling costs by maximising insert utilisation.

Joining the company’s recently introduced ST chip breaker family, the VNGX-ST combines advanced chip control with the versatile VNGX platform to deliver faster machining while maintaining excellent surface finish and dimensional accuracy.

Compatible with Rhino turning holders, the insert features four indexable cutting edges, doubling the usable corners compared with conventional two-edge heavy-duty turning inserts. The result is fewer insert changes, reduced downtime and lower carbide consumption, helping manufacturers improve overall machining efficiency.

Despite its 35° rhombic geometry, typically associated with finishing operations, the VNGX-ST is capable of handling depths of cut up to 3 mm. This capability enables the insert to perform everything from finishing through to heavy roughing, reducing the need for multiple tooling changes and improving process reliability.

A high 25° rake angle lowers cutting forces, minimising vibration while allowing higher cutting parameters and improved surface quality. Reduced mechanical and thermal loading also extends tool life and enhances component accuracy by limiting tool deflection.

TaeguTec recommends the VNGX-ST for use on Swiss-type sliding-head lathes, particularly machines equipped with servo oscillation technologies such as Citizen’s LFV and Star’s HFT or SCP systems, where effective chip control is critical for precision machining.

Available in six variants with either sharp or micro-honed cutting edges, the insert is suitable for machining steel, stainless steel and more demanding alloys. PVD-coated TT9020 and TT4430 grades provide high wear resistance, making the VNGX-ST well suited to high-volume production in sectors such as medical, aerospace and automotive manufacturing.

More information www.taegutec.com

Tungaloy has launched Gabby, an AI-powered assistant that helps manufacturers identify suitable cutting tools using natural language. Available through the company’s website and mobile app, the new digital assistant is designed to simplify tool selection and reduce the time spent searching for technical information.

Selecting the right cutting tool typically requires manufacturers to consider multiple factors, including workpiece material, machining operation, cutting conditions and tool geometry. Gabby streamlines this process by allowing users to describe their requirements in everyday language rather than navigating extensive catalogues or complex product structures.

Users simply enter details such as the machining operation, material or basic cutting conditions, and Gabby interprets the request before recommending suitable tooling solutions. The assistant supports a broad range of applications, including milling, hole making, external and internal turning, and grooving.

The conversational interface also enables users to refine their searches through follow-up questions, compare alternative tooling options and access relevant catalogue information within a single discussion. Tungaloy says this approach provides a faster and more intuitive way to locate suitable products while making technical knowledge more accessible.

The launch of Gabby forms part of Tungaloy’s continuing investment in digital technologies that improve productivity and simplify everyday manufacturing tasks. By combining AI with the company’s technical expertise, the assistant is intended to support faster decision-making and help users identify appropriate machining solutions more efficiently.

Tungaloy says Gabby will continue to evolve as additional machining knowledge and application data are incorporated, further expanding its capabilities over time.

While the AI assistant provides practical guidance based on available technical information, the company advises that final tool selection and machining parameters should always be verified to ensure they meet the specific requirements of each machining application.

More information www.tungaloy.com/Gabby

As manufacturers strive to improve process stability, increase productivity and support unattended production, tooling is playing an increasingly important role. According to Sandvik Coromant, a recent collaboration with direct-drive system manufacturer Hägglunds demonstrates how the right drilling solution can transform machining performance without replacing existing equipment.

Hägglunds, a Bosch Rexroth brand, was experiencing inconsistent results when drilling bearing steel cam rings. The existing drill lacked the durability and reliability required for predictable hole quality, preventing operators from running machines unattended and limiting overall productivity.

Working closely with Hägglunds, Sandvik Coromant identified the need for a more stable, wear-resistant drilling solution. The company recommended its second-generation CoroDrill DE10 exchangeable-tip drill, which features a patented pre-tension clamping interface that delivers high stability, accurate centring and consistent hole quality, even in demanding applications.

During production trials, the CoroDrill DE10 demonstrated repeatable performance over thousands of holes while supporting higher cutting data and extended tool life. The versatile -M5 tip geometry also eliminates the need for a pilot drill and enables rapid tip changes without spare parts, helping to simplify operations.

The improvements allowed Hägglunds to increase productivity by 18%, while doubling cutting time per drill tip from 40 to 80 minutes. Greater process reliability also enabled operators to leave machines running unattended, freeing them to focus on other tasks and supporting more efficient production.

Sandvik Coromant says the project highlights the value of its broader manufacturing wellness approach, which combines advanced tooling with engineering expertise, process optimisation and customer collaboration. Rather than relying on costly machine upgrades, manufacturers can improve output, extend tool life and strengthen operational resilience by optimising existing machining processes. The result is greater process stability today and a stronger foundation for future automation and lights-out manufacturing.

More information www.sandvik.coromant.com

Kennametal will showcase the future of connected manufacturing at IMTS 2026 with its ‘Next-Level Shop’, an immersive exhibition experience that combines live machining, digital manufacturing technologies and industry collaboration. Located at Booth 431800 in the West Building, Level 3, the exhibit will also feature the first public appearance of WIDIA brand ambassador Carey Hart.

Building on the success of the company’s ‘Metal Mania’ experience at the previous IMTS, the Next-Level Shop recreates the environment of a modern machine shop, bringing together tooling, software, machine tool builders and manufacturing specialists to demonstrate integrated solutions for real-world production challenges.

According to Dave Bersaglini, vice president and president of metal cutting at Kennametal, today’s manufacturers increasingly require complete manufacturing solutions that combine advanced tooling with digital technologies to improve productivity and tackle complex machining applications.

A major attraction throughout the exhibition will be the live customisation of an Indian Sport Chief motorcycle. Hart will work alongside Satya Kraus, CEO of Kraus Moto, machining custom components on a five-axis CNC machine using Kennametal and WIDIA tooling, while Taylor Schultz of Schultz Designz completes the project with a bespoke paint finish. One IMTS visitor will ultimately win the completed motorcycle.

Visitors will also be able to watch continuous live machining demonstrations, explore the latest tooling developments in milling, turning, hole making and Swiss machining, and discover Kennametal’s expanding digital manufacturing ecosystem.

Designed in partnership with EWI Worldwide, the Next-Level Shop encourages hands-on interaction with manufacturing experts while showcasing technologies and services for sectors including aerospace, defence, medical, transportation and power generation. Kennametal says the experience highlights how collaboration, digital connectivity and advanced machining technologies can help manufacturers achieve higher levels of productivity and performance.

More information www.kennametal.com

MAPAL has expanded its OptiMill-HPC-Pocket family of solid-carbide milling cutters with new four-flute (Z4) length variants, giving manufacturers greater flexibility when selecting the optimum tool for pocket milling applications. Designed to deliver precision, efficiency and long tool life, the range combines advanced geometry, wear-resistant coatings and specially prepared cutting edges to ensure high process reliability.

Large chip spaces enable rapid chip evacuation at high material removal rates, while the patented plunge face with integrated drill tip supports a wide range of operations, including pocket milling, groove milling, helix milling and ramping at angles of up to 45°.

The OptiMill-Uni-HPC-Pocket for steel and cast materials has been established in the market for a decade in its three-flute configuration. The addition of a four-flute version increases machining speeds while drawing on MAPAL’s expertise in pocket and trochoidal milling to machine deep cavities efficiently. Available in short, long and overlong versions, the new tools allow users to select the shortest practical cutter for each application, reducing carbide consumption, improving rigidity and lowering tooling costs.

MAPAL recommends the three-flute version for applications requiring frequent plunging, while the four-flute alternative is optimised for circumferential machining, offering higher productivity and longer tool life.

The aluminium-specific OptiMill-Alu-HPC-Pocket range has also been expanded with long and overlong four-flute variants to meet increasing demand for higher machining speeds and greater productivity.

Available in diameters from 3.8 to 20 mm, the complete OptiMill-HPC-Pocket family is suited to general engineering, mould and die manufacture, deep-pocket machining, and aerospace aluminium applications. By combining multiple machining operations in a single tool, the range reduces tool changes, improves process stability and delivers lower tooling costs alongside higher productivity, making it well suited to both high-volume and flexible manufacturing. More information www.mapal.com