With the arrival of the new UE6 and RE6, Walter is expanding its GD26 grooving portfolio with two indexable insert geometries for medium machining. The cutting tool manufacturer now offers a total of 12 geometries in seven wear-resistant Tiger-tec Gold grades for parting-off, grooving, groove-turning and copy turning.

According to Walter, the new UE6 geometry is characterised by its ability to generate low cutting forces and effective chip control, particularly when grooving and groove-turning. Alongside the UE6 is the new RE6 full-radius range of inserts which Walter says has been designed to generate excellent surface finishes and optimum chip control, especially during dynamic turning.

Thanks to its large chip-breaking range, UE6 geometry enables reliable chip evacuation in all grooving operations. Complementing this capability, RE6 geometry offers the best conditions for copy and relief turning. Both variants are suitable for use with the Groov-tec GD grooving system, the stability of which further enhances the potential of the inserts.

Fitted with Tiger-tec Gold Indexable inserts, the Groov-tec GD can be used universally for all ISO material groups. The patent-pending double serration profile is central to the high stability of the system. It prevents the cutting insert from being pushed out of the insert seat from the side. A raised centre tooth serration also secures the insert against incorrect engagement into the pocket.

In addition to the increased stability compared with standard prism clamps, the serrations on the Groov-tec system minimise wear and dampen micro-vibrations during the cut. This capability increases tool life by up to 50%. When combined with the optional precision cooling system, machining applications can benefit from shorter cycle times, higher productivity levels and improved process reliability, reports Walter. Further to the advantages gained during demanding machining operations, Groov-tec GD offers conditions conducive to unmanned and high-volume production.

More information www.walter-tools.com

LMT Tools says its new EASYTap “combines outstanding performance, maximum flexibility, and highest efficiency in one product range, enabling powerful thread machining in a wide range of materials”.

EASYTap was developed with the key challenges in thread production in mind, offering characteristics for chip removal, long tool life, a wide range of applications, process reliability, and a reduction in time and costs in production.

Manufactured from HSS-E material and finished with a TiN coating, LMT Tools says EASYTap guarantees maximum precision and durability. A newly developed lead geometry, optimised flutes and a helix angle of 45° ensure stable and efficient chip formation without chip wrap. The uniform and low torque has a positive effect on tool life.

The EASYTap produces threads containing gauges up to 3xD and covers a wide range of applications. It is suitable for blind holes and through holes, can be used in almost all materials – be it steel, stainless steel, cast iron or aluminium – and enables the production of all common thread types such as metric standard and fine threads, UNC, UNF, NPT (blind hole), G and EG-M.

As standard, the range covers diameters from 1 to 30 mm. Larger diameters or other lengths are available upon request. The EASYTap can be used universally in synchro and compensating chucks or collets and is compatible with oil, emulsion and MQL (minimum quantity lubrication).

a blind hole application with a thread depth of 12 mm in martensitic steel, the tap achieved a tool life of 26,500 threads.

More information www.lmt-tools.com

Tooling and work-holding equipment manufacturer Ceratizit has recently signed a second sustainability target agreement with bearing giant Schaeffler. The jointly developed sustainability agreements involve prioritising environmentally friendly materials and promoting ethical and eco-friendly practices. They are the result of close collaboration and deepen the long-standing co-operation between the two companies.

In the latest agreement, the companies have agreed on targets for wear protection products made of carbide – a material that due to its durability and reusability, reduces resource consumption over the whole product live span. With the ecological footprint and a further reduction in resource consumption in mind, the Ceratizit portfolio also includes a range of premium carbide grades made from reclaimed carbide powder, which are characterised by a low CO2 footprint.

In the previous agreement, it was decided to focus on the sustainable development and production of high precision cutting tools. First results show lower product carbon footprint (PCF) figures across the portfolio.

“Our ambitious sustainability strategy has enabled us to fulfil the necessary requirements for the two agreements, which underscores our ambition to lead our industry in terms of sustainability,” says Adrien Zoda, director of global sales – hard material solutions at Ceratizit.

Ceratizit’s ambitious sustainability strategy and the progress made in recent years were crucial in meeting the requirements for agreements with Schaeffler. For example, CO₂ emissions of 2023 were reduced by 22% compared with 2020. Another key component for the agreement is the transparency provided by Ceratizit’s PCF information, applicable to both cutting tools and wear protection solutions.

More information www.ceratizit.com