ACT to demonstrate diversity of tooling offering at MACH 2014

For example, the new indexable chamfer mill addition to the Nine9 range is a 45° cutter that incorporates a patented dual relief ground insert. This uses ACT coating technology to deliver improved feed rates and cutting speeds, says the company. Available with a number of AlTiN and TiN coated grades, the new 45° inserts are aimed at the machining of carbon and alloy steels, hardened and stainless steels, cast iron and non-ferrous materials. The chamfer mill is available with two or four indexable inserts with a diameter from 12 to 33 mm. The new tool also claims to feature the smallest inserts in the world for chamfer milling, with the ability to machine down to 7 mm diameter. The chamfer tools are suitable for countersinking, circular chamfering, contour chamfering and face milling. The chamfer mill series has also been extended to incorporate a 100° spotting and chamfering tool suitable for the specific screw heads and rivets deployed in the aerospace sector. According to ACT, this is the first aerospace-tailored solution of its type. Alongside the 45° chamfer milling range, ACT will be keen to highlight the benefits of its high definition marking and engraving range. Utilising indexable carbide inserts with a corner radius as small as 0.1mm, the ACT engraving range claims to be a cost efficient and time saving alternative to solid carbide engraving tools. The range is said to be suitable for engraving a variety of materials from aluminium, plastics and non-ferrous materials, through to carbon, stainless and hardened steels and cast irons. This diversity is credit to four insert geometries that are available with a TiN or TiAlN coating for improved tool life, says ACT. As an addition to the company's Nine9 series, the universal marking tools are said to be suitable for engraving any character or number that can be created by an NC program. With a choice of 45 or 60° insert angle, the new series can be used for marking serial numbers, product codes, dial scales, signs, logos and so on. From a productivity standpoint, ACT says its engraving tools have a multitude of benefits over traditional solid carbide or HSS engraving tools. For example, when wear occurs on carbide or HSS tools, the operator has to change the tool or furthermore, regrind the tool and then reset the tool parameters. With the new ACT engraving tool, the operator can remove the insert and index to the next edge without any concern over resetting the machine tool. With two cutting edges per insert, the tool length is unchanged between insert changes, thus offering repeatability and accuracy for the customer, says ACT. Available with a 0.1 or 0.2 mm corner radius, the 2 mm thick inserts incorporate a 6 mm long cutting face for engraving at increased depths. The inserts are complemented by rigid and robust toolholders that claim to eliminate vibration and improve surface finishes at high speeds and feeds. The round shank toolholders are available in 6 mm diameter with lengths of 40, 60 and 100 mm for extended reach applications. MACH 2014 - Birmingham NEC, 7-11 April