Versatility when milling tough materials

To address the challenges of difficult and unstable machining conditions caused by long tool overhangs, Seco says that its JS754 stub series end mills feature short protrusion lengths that maximise tooling value while increasing tool life by 20-40%.

The four-flute end mill is for mill-turn and multi-tasking machines, and incorporates the industry-proven JS754 cutting geometry and proprietary HXT coating for high-performance machining. This design makes the Seco JS754 suitable for difficult applications involving ISO M (stainless steel) and S (heat-resistant superalloys and titanium) materials. The shorter length of the JS754 Stub adds strength and vibration control for increased tool stability when machining with main or sub-spindles, as well as with milling heads and driven tools.

Many CNC mill-turn and multi-tasking machines have a limited machining envelope that can prohibit the use of longer end mills. The short protrusion lengths of the JS754 stub series require less room in the sub or second spindles of these machines. Notably, the end mills provide freedom of movement to maneuver around workpieces with increased tool stability in tight workspaces, which allows shops to maximise the benefits that mill-turn and multi-tasking machines offer, including shorter set-up times and better part quality.

The JS754 stub series is available in both chamfer and corner radius configurations, in diameters from 3 to 16 mm, and comes in cylindrical and Weldon shanks.

“Within all manufacturing segments, especially general machining and aerospace, the high-mix/low-volume (HMLV) production environment continues to drive the need for automation and efficiency, achieved most commonly through mill-turn and multi-tasking machines,” says Rob Mulders, product manager – solid milling, atSeco Tools. ”The JS754 stub series contributes significant flexiblility for the single set-up part manufacturing that these multi-purpose machines provide.”
For further information www.secotools.com

RNLI engineers visit industry trailblazers

In its 200th year, the RNLI has a long history of embracing innovation to help save lives at sea around the UK’s coast.Always open to learning new ways of doing things, a group from the lifesaving charity recently visited Sellafield’s Engineering Centre of Excellence at Cleator Moor to find out how industry innovates.Craig Branney, Sellafield’s head of off-site developments, hostedthe RNLI engineers, explaining how team members collaborate and innovate, including with the supply chain, to develop solutions in a highly regulated nuclear decommissioning sector.
For further information www.bit.ly/43jTEQy

Forth creates new job positions

An engineering company that is enjoying further expansion due to increased demand for its bespoke solutions is creating new jobs.Six roles will become available at Forth, which has bases at Maryport, Cleator Moor and Barrow, all in Cumbria. The company delivers engineering solutions to industry challenges across the UK and worldwide, serving industries such as nuclear, oil and gas, renewables, agriculture and utilities.

Mark Telford, Forth’s managing director, says: “As predicted, 2023 is proving to be a very exciting year for Forth. We have several exciting and innovative projects in the pipeline.One of the most pleasing aspects of this work is that we’re able to create even more job opportunities in the local area.We remain passionate about keeping jobs in Cumbria by bringing as many projects to the county as possible, supporting our communities and boosting the local economy.”
For further information www.forth.uk.com/careers.

Trumpf open house

Trumpf UK will stage an open house at its Luton headquarters on 12-13 July. The event is a prime opportunity for OEMs and subcontractors to see the latest machine and software solutions in laser cutting, punching, welding, bending and laser marking technologies. Special focus will be on how to remove secondary laser cutting processes by automating part separation and skeleton handing. Visitors will also see demonstrations of new features, such as Edgeline Bevel, an innovation that allows flat-bed laser machines to produce chamfers and countersinks in sheet metal.
For further information www.bit.ly/43DoOSz

Fivefold increase in machine productivity

Having over 50 years of experience in engineering, Team Inc (UK) is a company that specialises in leak-sealing services and solutions. With offices in Carlisle and throughout the UK, Team Inc has grown into a global brand with a reputation that extends from here to its headquarters in the US.

Among the company’s best-selling components are high-pressure injection adapters, which are finish-machined using reamers against a 24/7 schedule. The reamers used previously to machine these high-pressure injection adapters, made from high-tensile alloy steel (A193B7 and A320-L7), allowed Team UK’s engineers to produce between 1500-2000 parts a year. However, reamer wear was prone to causing component damage, leading to scrapped materials and waste. Ceratizit therefore recommended its Fullmax reamer.

Cutting data for the new reaming process was 1722 rpm with a feed rateof 1722 mm/min (1 mm per revolution feed). Saving 50 seconds per component, Team UK managed to increase its throughput to between 8000 and 10,000, equating to a fivefold increase in productivity.

Ceratizit’s new Fullmax Reamer also meant that fewer components saw damage during the process. As another benefit, whereas the new Fullmax Reamers show when they need replacing, there was no way for engineers to tell if the old reamers were wearing.

Chris Mitchell, manufacturing manager at Team UK, says:“Normally, when you want to increase process efficiency as much as this, there is a huge expense either through providing more manpower or buying expensive equipment. However, the new reamer was actually cheaper than the one we were using previously and it has provided a fivefold increase in the production of this adapter, which is absolutely outstanding. As well as this, it has virtually eradicated any waste in terms of scrapping parts.”
For further information www.ceratizit.com