Ball-End Tool Contours, Chamfers and Finishes in One Pass for Most Materials
The new IMCO Carbide Tool Pow•R•Arc end mill, to be shown at IMTS 2022, emphasizes speed. The cutter is able to run and increase feed rates to machine one’s mold up to five times faster than a four-flute tool.
Pow•R•Arc A108 (¾" diameter, eight-flute ball end and 1" LOC) machines a 0.050" perimeter chamfer in 6AL-4V titanium. Compared with a four-flute tool, the Pow•R•Arc cutter leaves a bur-free finish at high speeds. Photo Credit: IMCO Carbide Tool
IMCO Carbide Tool launches the Pow•R•Arc ball-end cutter, the newest of IMCO’s high-performance cutting tools, at IMTS 2022. The company says its product is all about speed; the Pow•R•Arc is designed for contouring and chamfering at the fastest possible speed and feed rates in most materials, even cutting smoothly in workpieces with dissimilar materials, with no digs or handwork needed. Available with six or eight flutes, it is said to feature advanced geometries and a next-generation coating for faster feed rates, greater lubricity, reliable chip ejection and what is reported to be double the tool life over competitors’ tools tested.
When asked the single most important benefit of this technology for a mold builder, IMCO points to the large reduction in cycle time that it would take to machine one’s mold, the result of an end mill that is said can be run and increase feed rates up to 5x those of a four-flute tool. This means reduced cycle times, and increased profits because a moldmaker would be able to build more molds in the same amount of time, the company notes.
According to IMCO, the Pow•R•Arc cuts and finishes in one pass in hardened metals up to 62 HRC, aluminum, stainless steel, low carbon steel and super alloys such as high nickel alloys, cobalt chrome and titanium. It’s effective in both low-speed and high-speed machines, and it’s ideal for use in five-axis machines. The cutting tool can be ordered with long necks for working in deep pockets and easier maneuvering around mold guide pins.
Learn more about Pow•R•Arc IMTS booth #43-431522.
Related Content
-
How to Mitigate Chatter to Boost Machining Rates
There are usually better solutions to chatter than just reducing the feed rate. Through vibration analysis, the chatter problem can be solved, enabling much higher metal removal rates, better quality and longer tool life.
-
All-Around Mill Improves Productivity and Cost for Valve Job
Adopting a mill with a double-negative rake and pockets compatible with multiple insert geometries enabled Progressive Metal Service to increase feed and lower scrap rates for a valve.
-
How to Tackle Tough Angled Pocket Milling With Two Tools
Milling a deep pocket with a tight corner radius comes with unique challenges, but using both a flat bottom drill and a necked-down finishing tool can help.
