MAPAL is extending its programme of solid carbide high-performance milling cutters for roughing applications with a new highlight feature for groove milling. With the new OptiMill-Uni-Wave, full slot milling with a groove depth of up to 2xD is now possible. The new milling cutter can be used for many materials and the level of performance is significantly increased compared with previous HPC milling cutters.
To achieve this, MAPAL has developed a highly ductile carbide substrate. Together with an extremely wear-resistant coating and special cutting edge preparation, the OptiMill-Uni-Wave has a 50% longer tool life than comparable HPC milling cutters. An innovative diamond knurl geometry guarantees an improved distribution of the cutting forces and ensures optimum chip formation. The short, tightly rolled chips are reliably removed. The ingenious new geometry permits high feeds and therefore extreme machining rates. In addition, the machine tool, clamping system and component are exposed to lower mechanical loads.
The five cutting edges of the OptiMill-Uni-Wave are divided unevenly and as a result, significantly fewer oscillations and vibrations arise during machining. This means that impressive cutting speeds can be realised whilst improving surface finishes. While the performance of the new milling cutter is high, the possible groove depth is also large. A full slot with a depth of up to 2xD can be produced in many materials. The long tool life is combined with high cutting values that ensure highly economical machining.
Given a global market debut at EMO 2017, the new OptiMill-Uni-Wave is available in short, long, overlong and extra long sizes with a HB shank form and diameters from 4 to 25mm.
