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