Interchangeable Front-end Tooling Economises On Back Ends

BIG’s FCM FullCut end mills for slot and square shoulder milling was expanded recently with the addition of FCR versions capable of multi-functional metalcutting including ramping, helical milling, shoulder milling and peck drilling. Both the FCM and FCR tooling types are now available in the Contact Grip programme. The back ends and the new front-end extensions both use the BIG-PLUS face-and-taper contact system for highly rigid, accurately concentric clamping.

FullCut mills combine the economy of indexable inserts with eccentric relief of the cutting edge, normally found on solid carbide cutters. This has the effect of improving the toughness of the edge without reducing its sharpness, which results from having a high positive rake angle in both the radial and axial directions. Further advantages are reduced noise in operation as well as low cutting resistance, so the tool is both productive and accurate when used on less rigid milling machines and machining centres.

Ramping is becoming increasingly important in the die / mould and aerospace sectors, as the technique allows the higher speeds and precise interpolation capabilities of modern machining centres to be exploited, reducing cycle times and the number of cutters needed.

Six FCR insert grades are available for efficient machining of almost any material, from highly alloyed steels to aluminium. Secure clamping of inserts is provided by the patented, high tensile steel ‘Alpha Screw’ system which also gives maximum support under the insert. Dry cutting is normally recommended, although through-holes are provided for applications where a built-up edge dictates the use of soluble oil coolant.