Kennametal and Haimer Announce Joint Technology Agreement on DUO-LOCK Modular Interface

For the very first time at IMTS 2014, both companies together will introduce the new modular interface DUO-LOCKTM for carbide cutting tool heads. The companies are combining their toolholding and carbide knowledge to provide solutions for high-performance milling applications with this revolutionary modular system. Like SAFE-LOCKTM, DUO-LOCKTM will be offered as a license to leading high-end cutting tool companies to establish a compatible, high-performance modular endmill system.

John Jacko, Vice President and CMO of Kennametal, explains: "Working with world-class partners like Haimer demonstrates our commitment to Different Thinking». Andreas Haimer President of Haimer Group adds: "This is a full-system partnership between companies with identical philosophies, highest innovation strength, and passion for precision."

For the past few years, the cost of carbide has been consistently increasing. Following this trend, Haimer and Kennametal have developed DUO-LOCKTM, which is the most rigid and most precise interface in the marketplace and virtually unbreakable. Oliver Sax, Director Product Management at Haimer explains, "The current existing modular tool systems have their weakness in the interface. Due to this fact, the full potential of the cutting heads can`t be used because of tool breakage." Colleen Cordova, Vice President Industrial Marketing at Kennametal adds: "Haimer and Kennametal have been able to create a modular interface based on maximum stability that allows the user to make full use of the carbide tool potential!"

The DUO-LOCKTM technology provides maximum stability, load capacity, and high runout precision based on an innovative thread design with a proprietary double-cone connection and additional third supporting area in the back of the interface.

During IMTS, both companies will introduce a new portfolio of cutting heads and mono-block screw fit tool holders with DUO-LOCKTM technology in all relevant spindle interfaces and extensions. Also new modular cutting tool heads with longer length than currently available in the market place will be added to their product portfolio in order to take aggressive cuts also in the aerospace and energy industry.

Doug Ewald, Director Product Management System Tooling at Kennametal says: "The system provides 5 µm runout accuracy and a Z accuracy of 10 µm, which will eliminate most of the expensive presetting processes." The superior features of the DUO-LOCKTM technology will provide significantly increased metal removal rates at milling applications and longer tool life. For the first time, a modular milling system can achieve similar high performance of a latest-generation solid carbide endmill.