Following the successful launch of the Thrill·tec TC645 Supreme orbital drill/thread mills for sizes ranging from M4 to M12, Walter is now broadening its offering to include extra metric sizes from M14 to M20, along with their imperial equivalents.

The new arrivals boast the same technical properties as the established versions – most importantly the ability to carry out drilling, chamfering and thread milling with just one tool. However, for the first time, users can also benefit from the efficiency of this 3-in-1 function for larger thread dimensions. For instance, the longer paths of the machining program, which are common for large components, now only have to be travelled once instead of three times. For the end user, this reduces non-productive time by two-thirds.

Like all Thrill·tec orbital drill/thread mills, the new versions are also sufficiently rigid for universal use in ISO materials P, M, K, N and S up to 48 HRc, while boasting integrated internal coolant. This feature enables reliable chip removal, especially with a high feed per tooth.

These new additions extend tool life and ensure that blind and through holes are machined with precision and process reliability. The combination of short machining times and long tool life reduces cost per thread, reports Walter, resulting in a tool that benefits both mass producers and users with smaller batch-size production.

Walter offers special dimensions for delivery with a reduced delivery time of three weeks via its Walter Xpress service. In addition to versatility, users from a wide range of industries – such as mechanical engineering, aerospace, automotive and construction – can benefit from the rapid availability of the tools.

More information www.walter-tools.com

Horn has expanded its DM range of PCD cutting tools by adding a range of mills specifically aimed at manufacturers looking to machine aluminium efficiently. The cutting geometries of a variety of tools, from simple end mills to complex and modular combination tools, have been optimised to meet the challenges of machining aluminium workpieces, taking into account factors like chip formation, cutting forces and surface finish.

The tensile strength, elongation, hardness and yield strength of aluminium can be influenced by alloying elements such as silicon, magnesium, copper, zinc and manganese. Workpiece materials can become soft during machining due to the development of heat, causing it to adhere to and even destroy the tool. It is therefore important that the cutting feed rate and spindle speed, as well as the type and quantity of coolant, are properly matched to the material. Horn’s experienced engineers can provide expert advice on selecting the correct machining parameters for specific aluminium alloys.

The DM range from Horn is also suitable for processing other non-ferrous metals and technical plastics. The PCD grade consists of a mix of diamond grains of different sizes. As the volume percentage of diamond increases, so do the effective hardness, toughness and edge quality. Strict quality standards are in place at Horn’s Tübingen factory in Germany to ensure that the tools, with their precision-lasered cutting edges, deliver a high level of performance and long service life.

More information www.phorn.co.uk

The new generation of the Seco Octomill 06 face-milling cutter provides significant improvements to ease-of-use, flexibility and stability. It ensures self-centring of inserts for reliable, error-free positioning and incorporates a multi-insert pocket design that accommodates a variety of insert types for a range of applications.

Octomill 06 self-centring inserts allow operators to position inserts with high repeatability, quickly and securely. Notably, the use of a long insert screw enables indexing of an insert without having to remove the screw from the cutter body. The cutter-insert interface design disconnects cutting edges from support surfaces and mimics the design of a double-sided insert while keeping the positive setting approach of a single-sided solution.

“This separation of cutting edges and support surfaces keeps worn portions of the insert from damaging or negatively impacting the performance of unused edges,” says Seco product manager Tobias Jakobi. “Furthermore, the self-centring feature prevents the occurrence of incorrectly positioned inserts that can cause instability, edge and tool breakage, costly work interruptions, and the need for rework.”

The Octomill 06 is for applications with unstable set ups or thin-walled parts. Featuring a right-handed design with a straight cutting edge, Seco says Octomill 06 incorporates a high helix angle of +16° to reduce radial and axial forces and enable high-quality production. The cutter achieves smoother entry and exit, and reduces back-cutting effects. Additionally, Octomill 06 provides consistent wear along the entire cutting edge.

The multi-insert pocket design of Octomill 06 accommodates face milling, round and moderate high-feed inserts. This allows a single cutter body to perform a variety of applications, including face milling, ramping, helical interpolation and profiling.

More information www.secotools.com

At the AMB exhibition in Stuttgart towards the end of last year, Haimer showed how modern tool management works: with high-quality, process-reliable components and end-to-end digitisation, through to fully automated tool presetting and secure transmission of digital tool data to the machine. A striking highlight of the Haimer stand was the fully digitised toolroom.

Tool management must be made as easy as possible for manufacturing companies – whether small or large. End-to-end digitisation and automation play a decisive role.

“We offer our customers the analogue and digital tool set-up process from a single source,” emphasises Andreas Haimer, president of the Haimer Group. “Starting from our tool holders and tools, as well as Toolbase dispensing systems, the data is managed digitally by WinTool software, right through to transmission to the machine tool control. Our Haimer Power Clamp, Tool Dynamic and Microset machines are available for the analogue set-up process. That’s unique.”

The WinTool data hub, which enables the management of tools, operating resources, machine programs, processes and master data, plays a central role in the overall process.

He adds: “In order to provide our customers with a proven, high-performance, digital offering, we acquired a 25% share in WinTool AG at the beginning of 2024 and agreed a strategic partnership with the TCM Group. Since then, the WinTool and Toolbase product lines have been part of the Haimer range.”

To ensure that the digital processes in tool management work reliably, the tools and their chucks should be identified as uniquely as possible. Haimer therefore supplies all tool holders with a unique ID – in the form of a laser-engraved, unique data matrix code that prevents any mix-ups.

More information www.haimer.com