Walter M4000 porcupine cutter boosts slot milling

Walter GB has expanded its M4000 family of milling tools with the M4256, M4257 and M4258 porcupine cutters. The tools can perform slot, ramping, pocket and shoulder milling, as well as circular interpolation routines, on steel, cast iron, stainless steel and difficult-to-cut workpieces, says the company.

With a compact length of 27 to 77 mm, the cutters operate at relatively low cutting forces and therefore serve to reduce power consumption. According to Walter, this smooth operation also reduces the tendency for oscillation and vibration, making the cutters suitable for unstable machining conditions, while lower cutting temperatures lead to longer edge life.

The cutters feature inserts of Tiger.tec Silver grades, which enable higher than usual tool rake angles to be achieved thanks to their carbide substrates and micro-geometry designs.

Various diameters are available: 20 to 32 mm for M4256; 40 to 63 mm for M4257; and 80 to 100 mm for M4258.