Published 17-05-2018

SOLVE 'SLOTTING DREAD' WITH NEW CUTTER

17-05-2018

Have you ever struggled with inserts coming loose during a slotting operation, inconsistent slot widths, fumbling with awkward screws and inserts on a slotting cutter, or having to use a piece of shim stock to pry wedged chips from deep inside a slotted workpiece?

These are just a few of the problems machinists face when trying to cut narrow slots and grooves, but thanks to the newly introduced Kennametal Narrow Slotting (KNS) cutter, the days of “slotting dread” are over.

Automakers can use the new cutter to separate cast exhaust manifolds and steering components. Equipment manufacturers can cost-effectively mill the clamping slots on shaft supports and stock collars. Power generation and electronics companies now have a more productive way to machine keyways, add heatsink grooves, yokes, and O-ring grooves.

Simply put, if there’s narrow slotting, grooving, or parting to be done, KNS is the new go-to solution.

“This tool is a game changer in a number of situations,” says Scott Etling, Kennametal’s Director of Global Product Management.

“Customers can mount a series of KNS cutters on an arbor called “Gang Milling” to either machine multiple grooves at once or conduct multiple cutoff operations. This tool can also be used to remove five-axis machined or 3D-printed parts from their base material. And since raw material prices continue to increase, our customers wish to machine away as little material as possible. Here it’s beneficial to use the narrowest slotting cutter possible to reduce waste.”

Tim Marshall, senior global product manager for indexable milling notes that Kennametal has made significant improvements in grade technology recently, and that the KNS leverages these developments.

“With the KNS programme we offer three insert grades,” he says. “KCU25 and KCPM40 are multiphase PVD grades that provide excellent edge stability and wear characteristics in steels, stainless steels, and high temperature alloys, even at elevated feeds and speeds. While KCPK30 is a CVD-coated grade suitable for rough milling and general machining of steels and cast iron.”

The KNS is also easy to use. The innovative, symmetrical Easy-X wrench design means no more digging in the chip pan for lost screws and inserts, no more wedges or clamps to misplace—just pop the wrench into the cutter body, give it a twist, and the insert is easily replaced, even in tight quarters.

Kennametal
1800 666 667
www.kennametal.com

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