Kyocera Unimerco releases novel electric insert driver

Kyocera Unimerco‘s new DTD500 is an electric screwdriver and torque wrench combined in one powerful tool. According to the company, the electric insert driver is optimised to speed up insert replacements by up to 50% compared with mechanical tools.

Thanks to its clever two-in-one torque functionality, the DTD500 first loosens and tightens screws electrically and then brings them precisely to the desired tightness with the manually set torque up to 5 Nm. Notably, the torque setting can be adjusted in 0.05 Nm increments.

The DTD500’s grip has a diameter of 50 mm and is designed for optimal ergonomics; the whole assembly only weighs an operator-friendly 570 g. Furthermore, a built-in LED flashlight illuminates the working area for improved visibility.

Kyocera Unimerco‘s new DTD500 features a 970 mAh embedded Li-ion battery which can be conveniently charged via the included USB-C charging cable (adapter sold separately). With one charge, the driver tightens up to 400 screws. The charging time from an empty to a full battery is about 110 minutes.

The electric insert driver comes with five magnetic Torx bits: T8, T15, 8IP, 15IP and 20IP, covering a wide variety of screw sizes. The driver’s chuck capability is 6.35 mm hexagonal flat-to-flat, while its no-load rotation speed is 270 rpm.

The DTD500 (item number TXA00199) is available to order from the company’s web shop or via Kyocera Unimerco‘s retail partners.

More information www.kyocera-unimerco.com

Seco Tools introduces .38 Finishing Face Mill

Seco is introducing its .38 Finishing Face Mill system, a selection of cutters engineered for high-precision surface finishing. With ready-to-use simplicity, hybrid flexibility and adjustability, Seco says the system is designed to meet the full spectrum of finishing needs.

The .38 Finishing Face Mill/SNFX1204 system offers three cutter variants – fixed pocket, hybrid and adjustable – each tailored to different levels of control and performance. Whether the priority is achieving consistent surface finishes or minimising set-up effort, the system offers a practical and flexible solution, says Seco.

Offering two insert types to meet different demands – one with an 88° lead angle for near-wall machining and another with a 27° lead angle for high-feed, open-surface work – users can cover a wide range of finishing challenges while keeping operations simple and cost-effective.

The fixed-pocket cutter (R220.38-….-SN-..SA) is suitable for users seeking effortless handling and set-up-free operations. Its tilted screw design ensures insert self-centring and run-out accuracy of 4-15 µm, making it a cost-efficient solution that reduces operator error and training needs.

Seco’s new hybrid cutter (R220.38-….-SN-..CSA) combines fixed and adjustable cassette pockets, allowing it to function as a fixed pocket tool by default. The cassette inserts act like dedicated wiper inserts for enhanced surface finish and, while adjustment is possible, it is unnecessary – offering flexibility without added complexity.

The adjustable cutter (R220.38-….-SN-..HSA) provides control with fine-tuning capabilities that achieve run-out as low as 0-2 µm – suitable for demanding applications where optimal surface finish is non-negotiable.

“With the .38 Finishing Face Mill system, we’ve focused on making high-performance finishing both easy and dependable,” says Tobias Jakobi, product manager for face milling at Seco. “Ease of handling is essential in finishing operations, and this solution gives users the flexibility to meet varying demands – often with just one system where two might have been needed before.”

More information www.secotools.com

New chucks use ER-driven tools for versatile turning

“The best of both worlds” is how German tooling manufacturer GEWEFA describes its M96 and M96+ hydraulic chucks, which fit into any ER-driven tool quickly and effectively for conversion into a high-precision hydraulic holder. Availability in the UK and Ireland is through subsidiary company GEWEFA UK, which offers the products from stock in Germany.

Avoiding the limited clamping force, runout issues and lengthy tool change times associated with mechanical ER holders, the versatile M96/M96+ products give the machinist all the benefits of hydraulic clamping. These include higher and more consistent all-round gripping force, effective vibration damping, extended tool life, higher accuracy and improved surface finish on machined components. GEWEFA says all this is available at a much reduced cost compared with standard hydraulic chucks.

In addition, because the chucks simply mount in the output shaft of the ER driven tool and twist to seal, users can enjoy quicker and easier tool changes, saving time and increasing productivity.

The M96 is suitable for driven tools with an internal thread, while the M96+ is for driven tools with an external thread and is secured to the live tool with a locknut. GEWEFA’s new hydraulic chucks are available for sizes ER16, 20, 25, 32 or 40 (currently only the M96), accommodating tool diameters from 5 to 25 mm.

More information www.gewefa.co.uk

Clearcut winner in ACM delamination challenges

Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has launched its Clearcut range of single-flute balanced routing tools, specifically engineered to eliminate delamination issues when machining aluminium composite material (ACM) panels.

ACM panels have become increasingly popular in signage, architectural cladding and display applications. To meet growing demand for faster turnaround times, more manufacturers are now printing directly on to ACM panels before cutting. This workflow significantly reduces lead times but introduces new machining challenges. ITC says it listened to the industry and developed a solution with its Clearcut range of cutting tools.

“The trend towards printing directly on to ACM substrate before cutting has created a perfect storm for delamination issues,” says Sally Hunt, technical sales manager at ITC. “Manufacturers gain significant time savings in production, but they’ve discovered that conventional cutting tools simply cannot handle the increased complexity of machining pre-printed panels without causing costly damage.”

Traditional cutting tools often leave jagged edges with visible print layer damage, forcing manufacturers to choose between speed and quality. However, with the slow helix Clearcut series of routing tools from ITC, manufacturers can maintain both of the key metrics.

ITC’s solid-carbide Clearcut range is VITREO coated, with the company reporting that the slow helix geometry ensures maximum productivity with unparalleled edge finishes. The single-flute routing tools are available in both coated and uncoated variants, with unbalanced or high-performance balanced tools offered.

The balanced tools are designed for modern digital cutting tables that incorporate high-frequency spindles operating at speeds exceeding 30,000 rpm. Notably, the single-flute balanced design on a 6 mm shank provides construction that eliminates vibration at high speeds, preventing print damage and substrate delamination.

More information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Fine-pitch milling cutter suits aluminium parts

Kyocera Corporation has launched its MD90 super-fine pitch cutter, a new milling tool specifically designed for machining aluminium parts in industries such as automotive.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for lightweight, high-strength aluminium components, driven by advancements in vehicle fuel efficiency and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, the increasing use of smaller machines in manufacturing sites has created a need for cutters that can efficiently and effectively process machines aluminium parts. According to Kyocera, the MD90 not only meets these needs but also offers potential cost savings through its high efficiency and quality, making it an attractive option for manufacturers.

The MD90 features a 24-insert design with a diameter of 125 mm, enabling efficient and high-quality machining of aluminium components.

Among the main benefits of the MD90 include the ability to maximise machining efficiency. The proprietary shape of the holder ensures high rigidity, even with super-fine pitch specifications. This design reduces chattering and enables efficient machining with a table feed of Vf ≥24,000 mm/min.

Lightweight aluminium holders are a further advantage, ensuring suitability for small machines tools (BT30).

With the MD90, Kyocera says customers will gain from high-quality production. PCD inserts are specifically engineered to reduce burr, achieving surface roughness of 0.8 μm Ra or less. Moreover, the company says that the double coolant holes and streamlined chip pocket structure offer excellent chip control performance, ensuring smooth and precise machining and long tool life.

Of course, every application presents unique requirements. For this reason, the MD90 is available with customised configuration options. Cutting diameters range from 20 to 350 mm diameter, and the cutting-edge geometry can be precisely tailored to suit specific operational demands. This level of flexibility ensures optimal utilisation of the tool’s full potential.

More information www.kyocera-unimerco.com