Mapal helix milling technique boosts productivity for large bores
1 min read
With newly developed cutters and its novel helix milling technique, Mapal says it is now able to increase material removal rates in the machining of large diameter bores by up to 40% compared with conventional circular milling cutters. Mapal's new tangential cutters, designed for roughing of bores 150 mm or more in diameter, feature economical indexable inserts and provide optimised chip removal to extend tool life.
In large bores with high rates of stock removal, cutting to full depth often has to be carried out in multiple steps or with distributed cuts. A common method of tackling this problem is to pre-machine the bore by circular milling. Mapal has further developed this approach by introducing helix milling, where the circular movement of the cutter is combined with axial feed. The positioning and number of inserts in the new cutters also allow a large immersion angle, thereby further reducing the time required for machining.
Mapal's milling cutters for use with the helix milling technique are available in 57 to 200 mm diameters. The tangential indexable inserts used in the cutters have four cutting edges. In addition, the positive and accurate location of the inserts ensures smooth cutting and thus reduces the drive power needed for the cutting operation, says the company.
Each tool size can be used to produce a wide range of bore diameters – and all sizes feature optimally matched cutting geometry combined with high performance coating.
