Tools for low HP milling

Manufacturing Engineering, Jul 1998

New machining developments typically focus on higher speeds, feeds, and power. But developments in low-speed, low-power machining are equally significant.

To enhance the productivity of its low-power milling, Cincinnati Milacron's Industrial Products Division (Cincinnati) recently switched to carbide tooling on a range of machines. The company changed three of its tool setups from steel to carbide from Widia North America (Cincinnati). Ernie Cole, chief milling operator for the division, found that the carbide tooling wore evenly. "We also found that with the single-piece design of the cutter, tooling alignment was no longer a problem." Their shop performs a lot of lowspeed work (220-325 rpm), on hard tool steel.

Cincinnati Milacron Industrial Products uses Widia M28 ball nose end mills. Because of its self-dampening feature, the M28 is reportedly well suited for mold and die work. Industrial Products also uses Widia M660 face mills and M680 square shoulder mills. The M660 has a 450 lead using a thick insert-almost 0.25 (6.4 mm). The M680 Square Shoulder Mill has a highly positive insert and a reinforced cutting edge. Its 900 rectangular insert offers radially and axially positive insert locations. For more information about Widia tooling Circle 378.