APKT-style insert alternative offers milling benefits

CERATIZIT’s MaxiMill 211 indexable insert milling system is a major advancement in 90° corner milling and provides a modern alternative to the 15-20-year-old technology of the commonly used APKT-style insert, delivering distinct advantages in a variety of machining applications. Through major investment in research and development CERATIZIT has created a combination of indexable insert and cutter body that closely replicates the cutting action of solid carbide tooling. In addition to reducing noise levels, the cutting action of the MaxiMill 211 system also has the effect of reducing vibration to a minimum and, consequently, imposes very low stress levels on the machine tool. As far as the end-user is concerned these features result in extended tool life, improved surface finish and, most importantly, increased productivity through the ability to increase feed rates and depths of cut. Typical cutting examples show that it is quite possible to achieve depths of cut up to 10 mm with a MaxiMill 211 insert measuring only 11 mm in length. A scenario that results in reduced tooling costs through not having to ‘over specify’ insert size. Over and above the development of the soft cutting action, CERATIZIT also placed great emphasis on the design of the end face of the insert, in particular the design of the ‘notch’ feature, of great value when machining closed end slots and pockets and when helical ramping - the MaxiMill 211 inserts almost trepan a groove to eliminate cutter push-off and create a rigid machining environment when plunging or ramping.” In order to provide the widest application area for MaxiMill 211, CERATIZIT offers a range of carbide grades, these being SR226+, GM43+ and the Hypercoat-P grade CTP 1235 for steel; GM246 and Hypercoat-P grade CTP 5235 for stainless steels and the newly developed Hypercoat-C grade CTC3215 for cast iron. Three new geometries are available; F50 for fine machining of steels and stainless steels; M50 for multi-purpose use on steel and the robust R50 geometry for cast iron, steel and stainless steel. For light alloys, CERATIZIT also has its well-proven -27P geometry available. To complement the insert development, CERATIZIT has also designed a new series of cutter bodies to match. All of the cutter bodies in the 211 system feature a chromium-based coating to extend cutter life.