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

Seco has introduced two chip-splitter milling inserts that lower the stress on both the machine and cutting tool for improved milling process stability. The Turbo 12 and 18 chip-splitter inserts for the company’s Turbo cutters – available in five grades for both square shoulder and helical milling cutters – reduce chatter, vibration and stress on manufacturing equipment.

Turbo 12 and 18 chip-splitter inserts incorporate grooves on both of their cutting edges to minimise chip size and lower cutting forces without reducing cutting data or depth of cut. By keeping chips as small as possible, shops lessen the risk of chip jamming, improving process security and supporting the more effective machining of deep pockets.

Product managers Magnus Engdahl and Michael Davies work in tandem and spearhead the team who developed the inserts. “The Turbo 12 and 18 chip-splitter milling inserts apply to various machining applications and materials,” says Engdahl.

Davies adds: “The versatility of the inserts makes them suitable for a wide range of industry segments and materials, providing customers with a flexibility.”

Hard-to-reach part features can pose challenges, and even the most robust combinations of machine and tool can struggle with long overhangs. Seco says its chip-splitter inserts overcome these challenges by evacuating chips from deep pockets for improved chip flow. Plus, Turbo 12 and 18 chip-splitter inserts reduce chatter commonly associated with long-reach applications, resulting in longer tool life and better surface finish.

Thanks to their stability and ability to reduce cutting forces, Turbo 12 and 18 chip-splitter inserts give shops the much needed process security and reliability required for effective unattended machining operations. As a result, shops increase output while also minimising stress on the machine and tool.

More information www.secotools.com