Published 11/29/2016

SLIDESHOW: Technology Showcase, Cutting Tools

Need cutting tools? There are so many to choose from it can be almost overwhelming, but here are a few MMT has showcased in recent months just in case you missed them.

Cynthia Kustush

Contributing Writer

Seco Tools subsidiary Niagara Cutter's Stabilizer 2.0 family of end mills incorporate continuous variable asymmetrical geometries for smooth and chatter-free performance that the company says allows feed rates to be doubled over those of previous models.

Specifically designed for difficult-to-machine materials, Seco Tools' High Feed 6 indexable-insert milling cutter is said to boost material-removal rates and handle high chip loads, resulting in increased productivity and tool life.

Designed for diameters of 13-25 mm (0.50-1.0"), the CoroMill 415 high-feed milling cutter from Sandvik Coromant offers high cutter density and high feed capacity, resulting in high metal-removal rates.

The issue with many square shoulder indexable milling cutters is the stair-step effect they leave on workpiece walls. Kennametal's Mill 4 series of indexable shoulder mills features a double-sided, 90-degree milling platform designed to eliminate this issue.

Rego-Fix and Schenck Corp. have collaborated on the Tooldyne balancing machine with an integrated measuring station and control system for accurate balancing of a range of toolholders.

Tooling Technology has added the high-strength Segen model to its line of quick-change cylinder locks, offering fast and accurate tool change-over for industrial applications including plastics, machining, stamping, welding, robotics, automation, aerospace, automotive, electronics, defense and more.

Ingersoll's new DiPos-Hexa plunge mill family is designed to cut axially and produce a flat bottom at the end of the cut.

Unlike conventional round insert cutters, Iscar's H606 family of double-sided inserts mount into the cutter body with dovetailed clamping for strength and cutting accuracy.

Cutting tools are central to almost everything a moldmaker does when building molds. I knew there were many different types of cutting tools, but until I covered cutting tool companies at IMTS this year I didn’t realize that they came in so many different sizes, configurations, and materials, all intended to improve speeds, surface finishes and feed rates. In addition, many are specially designed for a specific kind of machining job and others are manufactured to keep chips cleared from the cutter path while also offering quick-change features that save valuable time. It’s almost overwhelming.

If you're looking for new cutting tools and related products, MMT has covered several of them in recent months. I’m featuring a few in the slideshow above. Be sure to watch for links within the captions that will bring up web pages with more information about each item shown. Happy hunting!