Optimized End Mills and Milling System Developed for Heat-Resistant Materials

Source | Ceratizit

Ceratizit’s OptiLine solid carbide end mills are designed for high-performance mold cutting, crafted from premium substrates with excellent tool geometry and a novel Dragonskin coating for optimized cutting. In addition, the solid carbide end mills are manufactured at Ceratizit’s Sacramento, California, facility for faster delivery and available in inch assortments.

Available in four-, five-, six- and seven-flute options, the OptiLine end mills were developed for high-performance machining for a wide range of materials, applications and strategies. The four-flute features variable helix and pitch, and provides maximum stability for demanding operations. With constant helix and variable pitch, the five-flute excels in a wide range of materials, making it a versatile workhorse of any shop. The OptiLine seven-flute end mill is well suited for HEM machining and light finishing. Its constant helix and variable pitch design ensure optimal performance across various metals.

OptiLine’s six-flute version has an asymmetrical variable helix and variable index flute configuration which is designed to ensure enhanced stability during cutting operations and includes chip splitters designed for applications involving 2.5 × D cutting lengths. Exclusively introduced to the U.S. market in July 2024, the six-flute was specifically engineered for titanium and super alloys.

Much like the OptiLine six-flute, the MaxiMill – 211-DC was developed for heat-resistant materials like titanium and other super alloys. The additively manufactured MaxiMill – 211-DC indexable insert milling system with advanced coolant supply was created through in-house additive manufacturing with 3D printed cooling channels. Additive processes enable the patented shoulder mill to funnel the optimum amount of coolant directly on the insert flanks. In turn, it provides process reliability when machining heat-resistant materials.

The company says the MaxiMill – 211-DC has 60% longer tool life compared to tools with standard cooling. Further, despite the complexity of the coolant holes inside the tool body, the MaxiMill – 211-DC is compatible with standard adapters with through-coolant supply without requiring any standard coolant on the chip breaker.

The company says the OptiLine series is one of its key differentiators as a cutting tool supplier. It leverages control of the entire carbide supply chain — from tungsten ore extraction to precision-crafted carbide end mills — to consistently deliver high-quality, reliable tools to its customers.