Cutting Tools Developed to Machine Heat-Resistant Alloys

The AC5000S series of cutting tools, developed by Sumitomo, is designed to aid turning for exotic alloys. The AC5015S is for general-purpose machining and the AC5025S is for heavy, interrupted machining. Combining AbsotechBronze coating with a carbide substrate to achieve wear resistance, tools in the AC5000S series are said to ensure stable cutting in heat-resistant alloys like Inconel and Hastelloy. These tools are suited for industries such as aerospace, medical, and oil and gas.

AbsotechBronze PVD coating technology incorporates a heat-resistant, multi-layer, thin-film AlTiSiN structure resulting in crater and flank wear resistance. In addition to the coating, the AC5000S series integrates the company’s recently developed rigid carbide substrate said to demonstrate 20-percent greater toughness compared to conventional grades. The substrate is made with a sintering process, maintaining hardness, improving rigidity and chipping resistance, and reducing notch wear, the company says.

The AC5000S series is said to double tool life while increasing speed and reducing cycle time with difficult-to-cut materials. Recommended chipbreakers available for AC5000S series include EEF for finishing, EEG for medium cutting and EEM for rough/interrupted cutting.