MAPAL Introduces Standardized Chip Breaker Geometry to Improve Machining of P and M Steels!

MAPAL has developed a standardized chip breaker geometry for fine boring blades, designed to significantly improve machining performance when working with long-chipping materials, particularly unalloyed, alloyed, and stainless steels classified under ISO P and M. The new geometry delivers both technical and economic advantages, helping manufacturers achieve more stable and efficient fine boring processes.

The newly developed chip breaker geometry is based on a carefully engineered combination of precisely defined lead angles and rake angles, matched with optimized cutting parameters and cutting depths. This coordinated design approach ensures reliable chip formation and controlled chip breaking, even when machining materials that typically produce long, stringy chips and pose challenges for chip evacuation.

According to MAPAL, improved chip control directly leads to more efficient chip removal, which in turn reduces heat generation in the cutting zone. Lower thermal load improves tool stability and minimizes the risk of surface damage or dimensional deviation, particularly in fine boring operations where tight tolerances and high surface quality are critical.

The enhanced chip breaker geometry also contributes to greater process stability, reducing the likelihood of chip jams, vibration, and unplanned machine stoppages. As a result, manufacturers benefit from lower machine downtime, reduced tool wear, and more predictable tool life, supporting smoother production flow and improved overall equipment effectiveness.

From an economic perspective, the improved stability and reduced wear help lower tooling costs while maintaining consistent dimensional accuracy and surface finish. This makes the new fine boring blades particularly attractive for high-precision applications in automotive, general engineering, and industrial manufacturing, where stainless and alloy steels are commonly used.

MAPAL has made fine boring blades with the new chip breaker geometry available from stock, offering defined geometries and coatings tailored for machining ISO P and M materials. By standardizing the geometry, MAPAL enables faster tool selection, shorter lead times, and easier process planning, while still delivering high-performance results.

With this development, MAPAL continues to address the practical challenges of machining difficult steel materials, providing manufacturers with a cost-effective, process-secure solution that improves productivity, quality, and reliability in fine boring operations.