Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has once again extended its trochoidal milling portfolio with the introduction of the new 6054 end-mill series. Complementing the depth of the company’s four- and five-flute trochoidal ranges, ITC has now expanded its six-flute range with the arrival of the 6054 series.

Developed specifically for the machining of steel and exotic material types, the 6054 series offers manufacturers a long flute length for reaching into pockets and difficult-to-reach surfaces. The company says that the geometry of the 6054 series provides end users with a robust and stable platform which instils confidence when undertaking extended-length machining with high material removal rates. Furthermore, the latest end mills have a centre-cutting geometry with harmonic fluting to maximise material removal rates.

Swarf evacuation comes courtesy of effective chip breakers. The 6054 series has a square-end geometry for 90° machining in corners, with a corner radius range also available. The corner radius tools with 0.25. 0.5, 0.75 or 1 mm radius prevent edge chipping and prolong tool life.

ITC’s six-flute series is available with diameter options of 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20 mm, with a length of cut from 18 mm on the 6 mm diameter tool, through to 60 mm on the 20 mm diameter end mills. To provide long reach, the 6054 series is available with an overall tool length from 75 to 150 mm depending upon the diameter selected. Rigidity and performance get a boost with a shallow chip gullet that guarantees core strength for high material removal rates and stability. Complementing this feature is the polished harmonic flutes and Cupro coating that work in synergy with the chip-breaker design to evacuate chips at high rates.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Widia has added an AL geometry insert to its ISO turning portfolio, strengthening its offering of affordable tooling solutions for small to medium sized shops machining aluminium and non-ferrous materials. The AL geometry insert is available in two grades for increased machining versatility: an uncoated micro-fine carbide WU10HT grade and the WU05PT PVD AlTiN coated grade. Each grade is available in all popular styles, including C, D, R, T, and V inserts to increase customer tooling options.

In addition to enhanced product versatility from multiple grade and style offerings, the AL geometry insert offers additional benefits. For instance, a highly polished rake face improves chip flow, resulting in shorter set up times due to less manual retrieval of chips following each cut. The periphery ground insert also features a sharper cutting edge to increase overall tooling precision and reduce cutting forces. Reliable tooling performance means customers can dedicate more time to machining and less time to secondary deburring operations because of the reduction in built-up edge.

“The AL geometry portfolio offers tooling versatility when machining different components and workpieces, while also providing more precise and reliable machining performance,” says Anil Kumar, Widia global turning portfolio manager. “By focusing on both tooling performance and value, we’re helping our customers maximise their return on our products.”

Versatile, reliable, and cost-effective – Widia says that its AL geometry is a universal solution for machine shops seeking lower cutting forces, extended tool life and greater tooling productivity when machining a variety of non-ferrous workpiece materials, particularly aluminium. Customers can place orders for the new AL inserts and other Widia metal-cutting tools through any authorised distribution partner.
For further information www.widia.com

Battery cell manufacturer AMTE Power has selected Dundee as the preferred site for its first MegaFactory in a boost to the UK’s ambitions to produce home-grown battery cells for a net-zero society. The new factory will directly create up to 215 high skilled on-site jobs and 800 more across the supply chain by producing the high-performance battery cells needed to help electrify vehicles, homes and industries.

AMTE Power remains one of the only companies in the UK currently producing battery cells and the proposed new site at Dundee’s Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) would ensure the business can rapidly scale up to mass manufacturing volumes. The MegaFactory will complement AMTE Power’s existing facility in Thurso, and the company is currently in discussion with Scottish Enterprise to help bring the development forward.
For further information www.amtepower.com

An independent training provider is celebrating winning its largest apprenticeship contract in years after signing a major deal with Lander Tubular Products. In-Comm Training, which operates three technical academies across the Black Country and Shropshire, has become the strategic training partner of this supplier of precision engineered metallic and plastic manipulated pipe assemblies for the automotive, commercial vehicle and off-highway sectors.

The company will recruit some 40 Level 2 apprentices in Lean Manufacturing Operations over the next six months in a bid to develop a future talent pool that can help the manufacturer meet a rapidly growing order book. This new relationship will cover all recruitment and selection, advice on tapping into funding, induction processes and delivery of training, with In-Comm trainers and assessors permanently based at Lander Tubular Products’ in-house academy in Birmingham.
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk