Sandvik Coromant Solid End Mill Enhances Profiling Efficiency!

Sandvik Coromant has expanded its solid carbide tooling portfolio with the introduction of the Coromill Plura Barrel end mill, a specialized solution for high-performance profiling applications. Developed to address the demands of industries such as aerospace, medical, oil and gas, and power generation, the tool delivers superior process security, remarkable productivity gains, and cycle time reductions that can reach up to 90%.

The Coromill Plura Barrel applies a distinctive machining principle that sets it apart from traditional profiling strategies. It is designed with a one-radius barrel form and up to six optimized flutes, enabling a larger contact radius when compared to ball-nose tools. This design increases the permissible step-over, dramatically boosting the surface removal rate (SRR). For manufacturers, the result is significantly reduced cycle times and enhanced machining efficiency while still achieving exceptional surface quality.

Beyond speed, the geometry of the Coromill Plura Barrel provides precision and consistency in finishing. By reducing cusp height between passes, the tool produces superior surface finishes and lowers surface roughness, even under demanding conditions. Although barrel end mills generate higher cutting forces, their inherent stability ensures process reliability, making them highly effective for machining complex geometries and intricate 3D contours.

According to Liam Haglington, product manager for solid carbide milling tools at Sandvik Coromant, the tool’s design is particularly beneficial in high-volume material removal and complex component manufacturing. “The Coromill Plura Barrel’s large cutting edge radius increases step-over and reduces cycle times, boosting productivity during high-volume material removal,” Haglington explained. “The large barrel radius makes it especially suited for machining large, complex contours and 3D shapes, while minimizing scalloping for shallow depths of cut.”

This makes the tool an excellent choice for the aerospace sector, where components such as engine blisks require machining of difficult-to-reach surfaces and precise contouring in hard-to-machine alloys. Its capability also extends to medical implants, turbine components for energy generation, and critical parts in oil and gas operations.

The tool is offered in Sandvik Coromant’s proprietary material-specific grades, including T2CH for titanium alloys and R2AH for heat-resistant superalloys (HRSA). Both grades are supported by advanced physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings, which enhance durability, increase wear resistance, and extend tool life in challenging materials. For customers with unique dimensional or performance requirements, Sandvik Coromant also provides its Tailor Made service, which allows the Coromill Plura Barrel to be customized to fit specific production needs. In addition, the company’s digital tool guide platform offers expert advice to help users select the right tooling solution for their application.

Sustainability has also been integrated into the offering. Sandvik Coromant’s comprehensive carbide recycling program includes the Coromill Plura Barrel and other solid end mills. Customers can return worn-out tools for responsible recycling, contributing to reduced industrial waste and conserving critical raw materials such as tungsten and cobalt. This program aligns with the growing emphasis on environmentally sustainable manufacturing while offering customers a practical way to reduce resource consumption.

By combining advanced design, process reliability, and sustainability benefits, the Coromill Plura Barrel end mill represents a step forward in profiling efficiency. For manufacturers in aerospace and other high-demand sectors, it offers not only faster cycle times and higher productivity but also a path toward more sustainable, resource-efficient machining practices.