Grooving and parting enhancement

Currently available in three insert widths of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mm, the inserts are capable of grooving to a depth of 12 mm or parting off material up to 24 mm diameter. A 6-flute cutter can part-off a 100Cr6 steel at a surface speed of 100 m/min and 0.15 mm/rev feed. "The Minimill grooving system ensures that full use is made of the versatility of modern machining centres," says Adrian Fitts, business development manager, WNT (UK). "By being able to groove and part off with the same tool on a machining centre, the number of set-ups can be reduced, so profitability and machine up-time is dramatically improved. While the target market for these cutters is the machining centre user, they can be equally effective on CNC lathes with milling functions." The Minimill parting and grooving cutters are available in a cost-effective box set that include two, 6-fluted inserts, a holder, and associated Torx key and screw, with all of the items being available as individual replacement pieces as and when required.