Carbide Edge Preparation Improves Productivity

Tool Alliance’s SmoothEdge edge preparation is available for virtually all Tungsten ToolWorks products. The edge preparation is said to improve productivity, especially on the company’s carbide inserts and solid carbide round tools. The edge preparation makes tools sound and run smooth from the first cut and protects them from chipping during initial tool paths, the company says.

The five different edge preparation variations feature application-specific benefits. SE 1 is a microblasting treatment that uses fine aluminum oxide powder to smooth the carbide surface while generating a light preparation. The company says it is suited for most milling and drilling operations. SE 2 is a lapping treatment designed to create extreme lubricity and smoothness within minimal edge prep on uncoated tools, the company says. This version is suited for milling and drilling of aluminum and nonferrous applications using uncoated tools. According to the company, SE 3 combines microblasting and lapping for a light hone with extreme lubricity. It is recommended for milling and drilling applications of aluminum and nonferrous applications using coated tools. SE 4 adds a proprietary hone to the blasting and lapping cycles for a medium edge prep with excellent lubricity, the company says. It is suited for milling and drilling applications involving general steels, stainless and cast iron. Finally, SE 5 doubles the honing and lapping cycle for maximum edge strength. It is suited for stainless, high-temperature alloys and exotics.