Although financial turmoil has lowered cutting tool demand, it has not slowed the steady steps of global cutting toolmakers like Sandvik Coromant. Some may believe that strong technology background and unique technical skills are the secret for these cutting tool giants to resist against economic crisis.

Over 50% of the metalworking procedures in heat resistant alloy (HRSA) machining involve turning. Christer Richt from Sandvik Coromant has explained to Adsale the importance of choosing a proper cutting tool.

Adsale: Adsale Chinamac Journal

Richt: Christer Richt, Sandvik Coromant

Adsale: Why is it so important to choose a suitable tooling solution for the metalworking procedures in heat resistant alloy (HRSA) machining?

Richt: HRSA is an alloy developed for very-high-temperature service where relatively high stresses (tensile, thermal, vibratory, or shock) are encountered and where oxidation resistance is frequently required. It is often used in parts of steam turbine, chemical and food processing faculties, medical equipment, etc. These characteristics of the material make cutting difficult – especially when high-effectiveness is rated high during the process.

Xcel is designed for machining of titanium alloys and heat resistant super alloys materials.

Adsale: What is the offer of Sandvik Coromant in this area?

Richt: Sandvik Coromant is introducing a radical new tooling solution for machining of titanium alloys and heat resistant super alloys materials. The new and patented Xcel tool provides a host of design advantages when semi-rough turning into shoulders, not previously available from a single tool.

Adsale: What are the major features of Xcel?

Richt: Xcel features the accessibility and easy programming of an 80 degree insert along with reduced wear compared to a square insert used at 45 degree entering angle. Other features include: reduced notch wear and faster cutting speeds than rhombic inserts; ability to machine into corners to produce complex shapes; greater accessibility in confined spaces; possibility to machine in two directions; reduced radial forces and constant chip thickness compared to round inserts.

Two insert sizes are now available to suit depths of cut from 0.5 to 3 mm in intermediate stage machining. They are offered in three grades, all proven performers in ISO S materials.