Sub-Micron Carbide End Mills work with difficult materials.

Press Release Summary:

Available with ¼, 3/8, ½, 5/8, ¾, or 1 in. cutting diameter, HXF and HXF-RN end mill series feature corner radii for strength and 7-14 high-helix angle flutes for smooth cutting and optimal finish. Geometries are engineered to cut steels and exotic materials, such as aerospace and medical titanium. While both versions are suited for roughing and peripheral milling, HXF-RN series suits applications requiring extended reach into pockets or machining around obstructions.

Original Press Release:

Helical HXF End Mills Enable Higher Feed Rates for Finishing Difficult Materials

GORHAM, ME - Manufacturers that machine steels and exotic materials - especially aerospace and medical titanium - now can turn to Helical Solutions' family of HXF multi-flute end mills for finishing tools that offer smoother cutting, better finishes and optimized production time. The HXF and HXF-RN end mill series features corner radii for added strength and high-helix angle flutes for smoother cutting and a better finish. The tools are designed for small radial depths of cut up to 6 percent of cutter diameter and axial depths of cut up to 1 to 1.5 times cutter diameter. However, with the tool's increased number of flutes, along with the proper use of "radial chip thinning techniques," a customer will undoubtedly experience an increased metal removal rate and improved tool life. "It's not uncommon for people to run finishing end mills a bit too slow," says Scott Tiehen, Helical Solutions' national sales manager. "The HXF's multiple flute options, along with chip-thinning techniques, can really enhance their finishing operation and reduce cycle time. Of course, the final feed rates will depend on the finish requirement of the part. Customers using the HXF multi-fluted finishing end mills must also look at using high-quality tool holders that run true and induce very little run out." HXF and the longer-reach, reduced-neck HXF-RN end mills are crafted of certified premium sub-micron grain carbide and feature geometries specifically engineered to cut difficult material. The tools are available with an AlTiN (titanium aluminum nitride) coating for oxidation resistance and extreme hardness for peripheral milling stainless and other steels, cast irons, titanium alloys as well as cobalt- nickel- and iron-based high-temperature alloys. "These tools can be used for any finishing and light (radial depth of cut) roughing at high feed rates in difficult-to-machine materials commonly found in aerospace and medical applications," says Tiehen. "And with the higher MRR and increased tool ife they provide, our HXF tool will offer significant benefits in efficiency and cost per finished part." The HXF-RN series is designed for applications requiring extended reach into pockets or machining around obstructions. The stub flute length and a reduced neck contribute to excellent tool rigidity even considering the greater tool length. Both the HXF and HXF-RN are available in ¼, 3/8, ½, 5/8, ¾ and 1-inch cutting diameters along with a selection of 7 to 14 flutes, depending on the cutter diameter. Helical recommends using high-pressure coolant, flood, mist or dry milling with air blast when machining with these tools. Complete specifications and cutting parameters can be found at www.1helical.com under the "catalog" tab or by calling Helical's technical service department. Helical Solutions supplies high-quality, high-performance cutting tools for aerospace, energy, medical and many other industries machining ferrous materials. Founded in 2001, and already equipped with a strong product line for aluminum applications, Helical also specializes in tools for hard-to-cut materials like inconel, stainless steel and titanium. Among the tools Helical offers are coolant-thru tools, form tools, chamfer end mills, corner-rounding end mills, double-angle cutters, dovetail cutters, lollipop cutters, radius end mills and taper end mills. Helical is headquartered in Gorham, ME.