The Italian company Osawa (www.osawa.it) has introduced its HF ALU range of four-flute unequal-pitch micro-grain solid-carbide end mills for machining die-cast aluminium, copper and brass.

The flutes and cutting edges are completely lapped; this feature, combined with the unequal-pitch geometry, provides a dramatic reduction in friction and vibration and optimises swarf removal, even when undertaking heavy machining operations.

Moreover, the positive cutting angle and unequal pitch reduce the shear stresses when machining, while the ‘scrubbing’ wiper profile provides a mirror-like finish on the workpiece. HF ALU end mills can be run at feed rates up to 8,000mm/min when machining slots that are the same depth as the cutter diameter; they can also be used for shoulder milling with 0.5D cutter engagement and 1.5D depth of cut.

In the UK, Osawa cutters are available from both Rainford Precision (www.rainfordprecision.com) and Stocdon (www.stocdon.co.uk).