When machining stainless steels, several elements are crucial to achieving high productivity, excellent finish quality and long tool life.
The machine tool, tool holder, workpiece and clamping system can all have a profound impact on the outcome.
Dormer’s new S356 and S357 (corner radii) solid carbide milling cutters - branded Elect M™ - have been specifically designed to compensate for these deficiencies, offering significant improvements in metal removal rates and component surface finish.
As such, the Elect M™ range will be of interest to any production area involved in the high precision machining of stainless steel, in particular the aerospace, energy, die & mould and medical sectors.
Of key importance here is Dormer’s renowned unequal helix geometry. This provides a high level of stability and, as a result, exceptional productivity.
“By reducing tool vibration,” explains Annalisa Tennerello, milling range specialist at Dormer, “the unequal helix design not only promotes superior workpiece surface finish, less tool wear and improved dimensional control of the component, but also enables greater axial and radial depths of cut to be achieved at high cutting parameters – even on older generation CNC machines.”
A number of additional features unique to the Elect M™ range ensure maximum benefit in a wide range of stainless steel applications, including roughing, semi-finishing and finishing.
For example, the combination of flat relief and cylindrical land width has an exceptionally positive influence on the milling process, further contributing to a steadier pass and reduced chatter.
Also, the high rake angle reduces heat generated during milling. Significantly, this minimises work hardening – a common problem when machining stainless steels – and, consequently, limits tool stress.
Further information is available by contacting your local Dormer office or by visiting the Dormer website www.dormertools.com
