Producing components for modern gas turbines is a challenge that machining experts are familiar with; they are often faced with the task of machining difficult-to-cut materials such as titanium alloys and superalloys and creating shapes such as onion-shaped profiles and flutes. This difficulty is compounded by the fact that the turnaround time for machining the components must be as short as possible, while the process must be incredibly precise. Lim Gan Shu, marketing manager, Walter AG shows how precision tools, developed machining concepts and optimised tools set new standards in the field.

Dormer Pramet has recently launched a new range of tangential face milling cutters and robust double-sided inserts for heavy roughing in the power and marine industries, which result in good impact strength and cost-efficient machining due to both high feed and cutting depth capabilities. The tangential inserts LNEX suit the S60LN15C cutter for face milling of cast iron and steel in heavy conditions.

The inserts were produced with grades M5326, M8326 and M8346, developed specially for heavy milling to offer additional durability, and come as M and KR chipbreakers. M suits positive geometry for standard workpieces and promotes low cutting forces, while KR suits negative geometry for hard workpieces and heavy cutting conditions. 

Milling tools developed in recent times need to provide operational flexibility in order to machine increasingly complex components. By Tapio Alatalo, global product manager (Square Shoulder/Helical Milling), Seco Tools