Now available in the UK from Floyd Automatic Tooling is the new CrazyMill Cool Micro series of micro end mills manufacturing by Mikron Tool. With micro-machining applications increasingly commonplace in the electronics, medical, optics, automotive, aerospace and defence sectors, Floyd Automatic says the high-performance CrazyMill Cool Micro end mills are a game-changer.

For the first time, engineers at Mikron Tool have successfully transferred high-performance cutting tool geometries to micro-dimension end mills. Suitable for operations as diverse as sidemilling, helical interpolation, slot milling and drilling, the CrazyMill Cool Micro is available with three or four flutes, diameters from 0.2 to 1mm, and effective cutting lengths of 3xD and 5xD. The high-quality micro-grain carbide grade permits the grinding of special filigree geometries that maximise strength and performance, minimising the potential for tool breakages, especially when machining challenging materials.

The combination of innovative geometries, the high-quality carbide grade and a patented new cooling concept deliver double the tool life performance and three times higher productivity levels than rival product lines, reports Floyd Automatic. Integrated through-coolant channels guarantee high levels of cooling. Furthermore, with a cooling channel for each of the three or four flutes, swarf evacuation issues in micro-machining applications are now a thing of the past.

Also introduced is coating technology that prevents the loss of sharp edges which can be so critical in micro-machining applications. The new arrivals are available with an S geometry for machining stainless steel, steel, cast iron, non-ferrous metals and titanium alloys, while the SX geometry type is suited for particularly challenging materials such as Inconel, Monel, and CoCr alloys.
For further information www.floydautomatic.co.uk

Seco Tools has expanded its range of tapping solutions with the launch of a new thread-cutting and forming taps product line.

The versatile newrange encompasses three performance levels that allow manufacturers to cost-effectively match the right tap to their particular application. According to Seco, the combination of superior base materials, advanced coatings and special edge preparations mean that thetaps generate precision threads while providing effective chip evacuation, shorter set-up times and longer tool life.

“With the launch of the new line of thread-cutting and forming taps, we now offer customers a one-stop solution for high-quality taps at competitive prices,” says Radoslaw Zdanowski, global product manager at Seco Tools. “In addition to this affordability, we maintain the same high quality in these taps that our customers have come to expect from Seco.”

The three performance levels encompass the product designations of T32 and T34 in thread-cutting taps and T33 in forming taps. At the base level are universal general-purpose type taps. The second T34 mid-level range consists of higher performance taps that work well in a variety of workpiece materials, making them especially suitable for high-mix/low-volume production environments with constantly changing parts and materials. The top performance level comprises material-specific thread-cutting and forming taps, such as those optimised for steel or other advanced materials.

The main benefits of matching the right tap to the application include extended tool life that is consistent and predictable to reduce the risk of unexpected tap breakage and scrapping parts after hours of machining have been invested. Additionally, a range of tap performance levels ensures manufacturers only pay for the level of tap performance they actually need.
For further information www.secotools.com

A new, high-feed milling system forfinishing non-ferrous metals and plastics is now available from Horn Cutting Tools. Designated DTM 1710, the tool system employs inserts with PCD cutting edges brazed onto cassettes that allow fine axial tuning to micron precision via adjusting screws on the tool carrier. The PCD substrate is laser-cut to achieve high surface quality during the finishing process. Axial run-out is set by Horn engineers before tool delivery.

Compared with other tools of this type on the market, Horn says its milling system offers a higher number of cutting edges for any given size. The tools are available in the diameters 50 mm (z = 10), 63 mm (z = 14), 80 mm (z = 18), 100 mm (z = 24) and 125 mm (z = 30), with z representing the number of inserts. All variants have internal coolant supply.

To achieve a high-quality machined finish on the workpiece and enable use at high speeds, the tool must be in balance with the tool holder, for which purpose balancing holes are available around the cutter body. Furthermore,the combination of machine design, guideways, spindle and work-holding system, as well as the milling tool, have a decisive influence on the result.

The aluminium alloy milling body is lightweight, minimising centrifugal force and hence prolonging spindle life. For long-term protection against abrasion from chips, the cutter body is surface treated.The Horn high-performance PCD cutting material comprises a mixture of different diamond grain sizes. As the proportion of diamond by volume increases, so does the effective hardness, toughness and cutting edge quality. For the DTM 1710 milling system, Horn offers two different PCD substrates to suit the workpiece material.
For further information www.phorn.co.uk

A new-generation turning grade is now available that its manufacturer Dormer Pramet says offers one of the highest levels of productivity and versatility available on the the market today. The company says that its T9415 is the most advanced MT-CVD coated turning grade it has launched in almost 10 years, bringing greater stability and performance in a variety of cutting conditions.

This fourth-generation Pramet grade covers a broad application range, replacing the previous T9310 and T9315. In addition, the new grade partly overlaps with the company’s T9325 grade, giving T9415 one of the widest range of applications in steel turning.

Featuring a 30% thicker coating than the previous generation, the Pramet T9415 improves tool durability by increasing resistance to wear and offers higher productivity by allowing for higher cutting speeds. Additionally, a new post-treatment process improves toughness and reliability of the cutting edge, especially in interrupted cuts and unstable conditions. The T9415 is also suitable for high cutting speeds.

Notably, grinding of the insert seating area improves stability and enhances heat transfer away from the cutting edge. This capability further helps to improve tool life, reducing the plastic wear on the cutting zones. Also, a gold TiN coating allows operators to detect wear along the flank of the inserts.

Using the latest technologies, Pramet T9415 inserts have optimised cutting-edge geometry that reduces cutting forces and enhances performance. Along with saving energy, the inserts themselves are manufactured using the latest production technologies, which supports a more sustainable and environmentally friendly offer.
For further information www.dormerpramet.com