Kyocera has introduced its MECHT range of indexable milling cutters. Due to its tool geometry, MECHT is suited to applications in shoulder face milling, plunge cutting and slot milling, as well as ramping. Like the entire MEC series from Kyocera, MECHT offers a positive and very light-cutting action, which achieves 90° shoulders and smooth surfaces.

Compared with conventional milling cutters in this category, the Kyocera product is characterised by a new combination of insert sizes. The larger bottom inserts are positioned at the first stage of the tool holder to handle higher cutting forces. This configuration stabilises titanium alloy machining and improves fracture resistance. At the same time, the design ensures higher reliability, as the bottom inserts are held in place by double-faced contacts. Another advantage is that the new flute design prevents chips from clogging.
The chip breakers require a significantly lower cutting force than other cutters, says the company. Due to this extremely sharp cutting performance, heat development at the cutting edge is kept to a minimum, which again ensures long tool life. Furthermore, MECHT was developed with heat-resistant MegaCoat Nano coating technology. The tough PVD-coating (PR1535) increases the breaking strength of the product, as well as the stable and long-lasting application possibilities.
For further information https://uk.kyocera.com/

A high-precision, quick-change tooling system has been launched by Dormer Pramet for a variety of internal and external turning applications. Suitable for use on multi-tasking machines, the polygon shank coupling (PSC) is a spindle interface which promotes higher productivity through reduced set-up time and faster, more precise machining, reports the company.

Dormer Pramet’s PSC achieves this performance by deploying a tapered polygon cone shank and flange surface, which supports a high degree of rigidity. With accuracy in X, Y and Z of ±2 µm, PSC holders provide a high level of repeatability. In addition, a reduced overhang length minimises vibration and runout inaccuracy for a high-quality surface finish, making it suitable for both aerospace and general machining applications.
Connected by a triangular conical structure and cross section, which uses 1/20 taper, the PSC features internal coolant channels and a steel tool holder. More than 130 items are available, including a variety of tool-holder styles, internal tools, interface types and shank sizes.
For further information www.dormerpramet.com

The 108 and 114 Mini tooling systems from Horn have been extended through the addition of new inserts with GM threading geometry that is suitable for turning ISO metric internal threads. Availability in the UK and Ireland is through the German manufacturer’s UK subsidiary, Horn Cutting Tools.

Horn’s chip-breaking geometry generates short lengths of swarf, even when processing what are normally long-chipping materials and those that are difficult to machine. The swarf is easier to handle, the risk of chip build-up is reduced and ‘bird nesting’ around the tool and component is avoided, reducing lathe stoppage time and increasing productivity.
Using the 108 system, users can produce metric internal threads from M10 with pitches of 0.5 to 1.25 mm, while the 114 system is suitable for pitches up to 2.5 mm. The inserts are available in partial and full profile design. Standard, low-vibration, carbide turning tool holders from the Mini system may be used, enabling the production of high surface finishes, even on deep threads, and ensuring high process reliability.
Mini-type inserts screwed on to the face of the holder are among Horn’s core products for turning and milling applications. The tools are especially suited to internal profiling and internal grooving. Furthermore, the Mini system range offers inserts with different geometries, substrates and CBN or diamond coatings in a variety of sizes for various internal diameters.
For further information www.phorn.co.uk

Horn’s Supermini precision tooling system has been enhanced by the introduction of a variant with newly developed HP geometry, allowing higher infeed rates and other cutting parameters. The geometry also enables multi-functional use on a lathe across a range of operations, including drilling, boring, face turning and skimming.

In terms of capability, holes from 3 to 7 mm in diameter may be drilled into solid material using Supermini HP tools without a chip breaker. While the performance data cannot compete with normal drills, the system is a practical solution if the number of cutter locations in a machine is limited. With the single-edged version, various hole diameters can be produced using a single tool.
Horn’s Supermini HP offers the option of immediately boring an inner contour after drilling without having to change the tool. An accurate 90° shoulder can be achieved at the base of the hole, while the wiper geometry produces excellent surface quality, even at high feed rates, says Horn.
Tools can also be provided with a chip breaker, which are recommended for turning applications. Here, the slightly twisted flute helps to remove chips efficiently from the machining zone, while the EG35 coating allows machining of both standard and stainless steels.
As well as HP geometry, Horn has developed a tool holder for the Supermini type 105, whereby clamping is achieved using a tensioning wedge on the face rather than on the circumference, as was previously the case. The tool is held in place with more force, which in turn makes the entire system more rigid. Furthermore, the design results in a higher level of repeatability when changing the tool and permits more compact construction.
For further information www.phorn.co.uk

The ‘Infinite Possibilities’ portfolio has been expanded by Quickgrind with the arrival of the Orbis lollipop cutter range.

Across its business, Quickgrind is focused on the supply of products tailored to the demands of end users, hence the Infinite Possibilities branding. An example is the newly developed Orbis series of lollipop end-milling cutters. Non-standard sizes and geometries are available to manufacturers on very short delivery times and at “near-standard” prices, says the company.
Developed for the five-axis machining of intricate components, the solid-carbide Orbis range enables access to difficult-to-reach features and surfaces. Furthermore, the Orbis series allows manufacturers to use a single tool to follow challenging tool paths and component forms.
Orbis cutters are available with two, three, four, six or eight flutes, with a complete variety of lollipop and shank diameters, overall lengths and a wide range of reduced neck diameters. In addition, the spherical ball profile and unconventional geometry enable the cutters to excel in terms of tool life, machining speeds and feeds, and surface finish quality, says the company.
The tools are suitable for the fine finishing of irregular or uneven surfaces, as well as the daunting prospect of tube machining. This capability is credit to the carbide composition of the end mills and the UK-designed tool geometries that minimise vibration, even when reaching difficult-to-access surfaces.
Contributing further to the reduction in vibration and cutting forces, as well as improvements in tool life and productivity, are three geometry styles for alternate material types.
For further information www.quickgrind.com