WNT (UK) Ltd (www.wnt.com) says that DCX1420 Dragonskin-coated inserts are now available for use on its C900 high-feed drill.

When used in conjunction with the existing PVD-coated CCN1430 insert grade (in the centre insert position), tool life is extended and cutting speeds can be increased by up to 30%, says the Sheffield-based company.

According to WNT, this combination of insert grades maximises each tool coating’s performance characteristics, with the CCN1430 having much greater toughness to better handle the low surface speed found in the centre of a drill, while the DCX1420 grade, with its Dragonskin CVD coating, offers improved wear resistance that allows higher cutting data to be used.

When fitted with DCX1420 inserts, the C900 can achieve cutting speeds of 390m/min in steel components and 230m/min in stainless steel, with feed rates up to 0.3 and 0.23mm/rev respectively (subject to machining conditions, coolant supply and work-holding).

In addition to the new grade, the diameter range of the C900 high-feed drill has been extended at the smaller end of the portfolio to include drills with diameters of 12, 12.5, 13 and 13.5mm.