Optimised tool design for materials up to 67 HRC: ZECHA

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2018-10-02 13:51:00

Optimised tool design for materials up to 67 HRC

Homogenous surface quality even after hours of use and this at the highest performance levels - anything demonstrating these features in the hard milling environment is already playing in the champion's league of processing. The PEACOCK mill cutters from ZECHA Hartmetall- Werkzeugfabrikation GmbH just keep on going even at 67 HRC.

Other rules apply when it comes to hard machining in comparison with the processing of "normal" materials: Interventions in steels up to 67 HRC generate wear and friction above the norm and call for tools of uncompromising quality. "But never fear, we have the right answer even for such demanding applications: The PEACOCK series provides the tool and mould maker with a high-tech mill cutter that can create even complicated structures in the hardest of materials without constant tool changeover or flagging machining quality impairing economic efficiency!", stresses Martin Ruck, Head of Research and Development at ZECHA Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrikation GmbH in Königsbach-Stein.

Dazzling name - cool(ing) design

The two-flute ball and torus mill cutters in the PEACOCK series demonstrate unrivalled eagerness to tackle hard and powder metallurgical steels, always confident of having the better arguments in the encounter. "And some of them can be found on the cutting edge," adds Martin Ruck. "From the substrate to point and micro geometry, the PEACOCK mill cutters have been configured for the highest level of resilience. Our engineers' attention to detail in producing the series means nothing has been left to chance and our customer requirements have thus been implemented in full."  These include the diameter coordination relevant in manufacturing. On the PEACOCK ball mill cutters in the 581P series they range from 0.3 – 12.0 mm and the PEACOCK torus mill cutters in the 583P series are available from 0.2 - 6.0 mm. Common to all is the new point geometry, which ensures faster removal of the hot chips from the treatment zone - a vital measure for hard mill cutters. The groove design stabilises the entire geometry, which in turn is supported by the soft radius transitions in the shaft.

Smooth coating for long tool life

The mill cutter design is rounded off by the latest coating technology. It is characterised by minimised friction, very smooth and homogeneous coating surfaces in combination with great stability and strength including excellent coating adherence.

"In comparison with conventional solutions our WAD coating helps to more than double tool life. And the user will notice this in the longer tool changeover intervals and resulting shorter transition times," says Martin Ruck. This means that as far as efficiency is concerned, the mill cutters have it in them to come top of the class in high speed machining for tool and mould making. Just to top it off, the PEACOCK mill cutters are exceedingly flexible in their deployment. Even highly alloyed, somewhat soft materials can be roughened with cooling lubricant, semi-finished and even finely finished with the highest degree of component precision.

Reproducible quality creates safety

"Life is not becoming easier for tool, mould and machine makers: price pressure, extreme quality demands and also unforgiving materials as the measure of all things, set a very high bar. Yet with our PEACOCK hard mill cutters, we have provided a good balance of performance, highest reproducibility and safety in application. This is why the series is really a feather in our cap!" summarises Martin Ruck.

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