LMT's GWR 5x ball nose copy cutters for hard metal 5-axis machining
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As part of LMT's GWR 5x range of solid carbide tapered shank ball nose cutters, a range of four insert geometries has also been developed to accommodate a variety of roughing, semi-finishing and finishing applications, including hard metal milling up to 62 HRC.
The four insert geometries are WPR-AR, -N, -D and Flatball-FB. Cutter inserts are available from 6 to 16 mm diameter, with through-the-tool air or coolant feed available on tools over 10 mm.
Ideal for heavy metal removal, the WPR-AR is suitable for roughing and semi-finishing and finishing hard metals, steel, cast iron and high temperature alloys up to 60HRC. WPR-D has a spiral geometry that creates a smoother penetration of the material under cut resulting in high levels of surface finish being attained. It can be used on hardened steels, up to 60 HRC.
LMT's Flatball-FB geometry is for use on semi-finish and finishing cycles on hardened steels up to 62 HRC, as well as cast steel and high temperature alloys.
Managing director of LMT UK Trevor Tolley commented about a recent trial carried out by the Leiber Group in Germany. The company produces some 550 halves of drop forging dies a year for aluminium chassis components out of high strength tempering steel using 5-axis milling technology. "By changing to GWR 5x cutters with indexable inserts in place of solid carbide tools, not only have tool costs been halved, Leiber has eliminated any need for regrinding its solid carbide cutters.
"Once existing stocks of tools have been used the company is totally changing over to the new LMT tooling."
