SGS Tool Europe to launch Z-Carb HPR at EMO Milan

The specialised five-flute design is engineered for increased productivity compared to three- and four-flute end mills resulting in high metal removal during the machining process and subsequently reduced cycle times. Using SGS variable indexing geometry to provide improved chatter suppression over symmetrical designs, the Z-Carb HPR is available in a variety of lengths, with square and corner radius options and is available with the exclusive Ti-Namite-M heat resilient coating for superior performance in difficult to machine materials such as titanium.

With a hardness value of 3,600 (HV) features of the advanced coating include high wear resistance, reduced friction with a coefficient of friction of just 0.45, an oxidation temperate of 1,150°C and excellent prevention of cutting edge build-up.

Enhanced cutting performance will be of key interest to companies working in aerospace, automotive, mould and die, energy, medical and general precision engineering. In fact any sector looking to achieve high performance titanium machining especially applications with deep pocketing and aggressive ramping.

Designed using the latest FEA software the cutting force and torque are reduced by more than 10% thanks to the Patent pending variable design of the Z-Carb HPR which improves shearing capability and tool life. Specially designed for the five-flute tool the radial rake balances positive cutting action and edge strength, while the end grind features include a positive axial rake for improved shearing and lifting of material and increased clearances to eliminate edge build-up during ramping.

Engineered for strength, chip evacuation, and increased productivity over three- and four-flute end mills the specialised five-flute design offers a performance increase of between 20 and 40%. The variable flute pattern provides excellent chatter suppression over a range of spindle speeds while the open centre design delivers efficiency during entry movements into the workpiece. The helix angle has been engineered for balance between positive cutting action and reduced contact area to control tool pressure and spindle load.

A central hole delivers coolant effectively to the cutting zone for enhances chip removal when pocketing or slotting. Typical ramp angles of 5º are easily achieved; greater than 5° ramp angles are obtainable. Entry feedrates can achieve 100% of the slotting value and the open centre provides a suitable exit for central coolant and chip flushing while maintaining aggressive ramp angles.

During roughing operations one times diameter slotting capability is typical, 50% radial by 150% axial heavy profiling is common. True high speed machining is supported by the variable geometry design and open fluting to eliminating vibration. Productivity is increased as the specialised geometry promotes high chip load at aggressive feedrates, while achieving a surface finish of 1.8 micron Ra or better on most materials.

Alan Pearce, Managing Director, EU operations, states: “SGS has an active ongoing commitment to research and development. Our reputation for quality and ever-increasing our focus on Value at the Spindle pushes us to continually innovate and discover the very best cutting tool technology. The Z-Carb HPR is the latest product of this passionate pursuit. Extensive field tests of this new cutting tool have yielded higher material removal rates than expected while meeting or exceeding expected tool life.”