Walter adds more lengths to drill series

Walter has added lengths from 16 to 30xD to its X·treme Evo series of solid-carbide drills from the DC160 Advance range, thus facilitating deep-hole drilling applications. The DC160 Advance makes deep-hole drilling possible in a single operation without pecking, which is credit to Walter’s XD technology.

Complementing the existing 3, 5, 8 and 12xD offer, new arrivals include 16, 20, 25 and 30xD variants. The 16 and 20xD drills are available in diameters from 3 to 16 mm, whereas the longer 25 and 30xD variants come in diameters from 3 to 12 mm. The through-coolant drills are available with an overall length from 89 to 430 mm, depending upon the depth by diameter ratio of the selected drill.

Just like existing versions of the DC160 Advance, the latest deep-hole drills feature the new thinner web with 140° point angle and the fourth land in an advanced position. The thinner web ensures increased positional accuracy and reduces centre cutting forces, while the advanced-position fourth land optimises drill guidance. Furthermore, the new drills incorporate a pronounced chip gullet relief that creates a smooth and efficient cutting action upon initial entry. This softer cutting action reduces the required feed force, which subsequently eliminates deflection.

Grade selection ranges from the wear-resistant WJ30ET and WJ30EU to the tough K30F micro-grain substrate with TiSiAlCrN/AlTiN multi-layer coating. Furthermore, the polished flutes from 8xD optimise chip evacuation and reduce cutting forces.

Typical applications for the drills, which are available with or without through-coolant, include general engineering, as well as the mouldmaking, energy, automotive and aerospace industries.

For further information
www.walter-tools.com

ModuleWorks partners CADS Additive

CADS Additive, a manufacturer of data preparation software for metal additive processes, is integrating ModuleWorks tool-path calculation algorithms into its AM Studio solution to achieve fast time-to-print for an extended range of additive processes. ModuleWorks’ calculation core automatically generates collision-free toolpaths for five-axis and 3+2-axis 3D printing, including robotic and hybrid applications. The intelligent algorithms require minimum operator intervention, which complements and supports the AM Studio strategy of simplifying and accelerating data preparation processes.

For further information
www.moduleworks.com

C-ALPS appointed to €7m transport project

Coventry University’s reputation as a leader in clean mobility has received a boost following its selection as part of a €7m project that will help develop hydrogen-powered mass passenger coaches. The Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS) is now one of the ‘CoacHyfied’ partners, a 14-strong consortium led by higher education and engineering partners which is determined to develop new technology that could eliminate up to 1.4 million tonnes of CO2 generated by diesel-fuelled coaches in the UK alone. C-ALPS is investing £2m into developing a world-class hydrogen fuel cell development facility.

For further information www.coventry.ac.uk/c-alps

EIA joins MTA family

The Engineering Industries Association (EIA) is joining the MTA (Manufacturing Technologies Association), where it will sit as an independent identity under the MTA umbrella brand. MTA CEO James Selka says: “On-boarding into the MTA family will help ensure the EIA’s long-term sustainability and, by bringing key elements of the engineering and manufacturing community closer together, ensure member businesses receive enhanced support and enjoy a stronger, more influential voice into government.”

Karen Finegold, who now heads up the EIA, adds: “I believe EIA members will experience a huge benefit with this development. The services offered by the EIA will be enhanced by joining an allied association; the close links with the MTA have made this a natural progression.”

For further information www.mta.org.uk

Guhring unveils grooving system

The new Guhring 222 system of grooving and parting-off tools incorporates an extensive line of indexable inserts and tool holders to ensure suitability for all material types and applications. Guhring’s 222 designation derives from the tool’s two cutting edges with an effective depth of cut up to 22 mm. The 222 system is available with a tool holder or as a blade type to suit the demands of the end user.

Notably, the dedicated nickel-plated tool holder extends tool life and longevity, with three internal channels to suit the specific set-up of the machine and coolant supply. High-pressure coolant delivery supplies the work zone via two channels positioned above and below the cutting edge. This design increases tool life and performance, while supporting chip breaking and evacuation.

The tool holders are available in left- and right-hand designation, with tool body dimensions from 12 x 12 mm to 25 x 25 mm, making the 222 system suitable for everything from small compact turning centres and sliding-head machines, through to large, more robust machine tools. Tool holders are available in overall body lengths from 108 to 152 mm, depending upon the tool selected. Rigidity and performance receive a further boost thanks to a tool design that incorporates a new clamping screw design and insert support, which guarantees maximum insert clamping torque and stability during machining.

Like the tool-holder designation, the nickel-plated blade-type tool holder is available with and without through-coolant, with a blade length of 120 or 150 mm, a height of 26 or 32 mm and a width of 2.25 mm depending upon the selected tool.

For further information
www.guhring.co.uk