CoroMill Plura routers introduced by Halesowen-based Sandvik Coromant are designed to offer optimised milling and slotting operations in composite materials such as CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) and GFRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic) (www.sandvik.coromant.com).

According to the company, customers will benefit from the patented geometries featured on the new routers.

When milling and slotting composite materials, the CoroMill Plura routers are used primarily in full radial engagement and at full depth of cut.

In some cases, finishing passes can also be undertaken. Helix angles have been carefully designed to provide sharpness and cutting-edge strength, and thereby help to ensure longer tool life, as well as high-quality finishes on surfaces, edges and slots.

The range comprises three cutters: the CoroMill Plura compression router, CoroMill Plura low-helix router, and CoroMill Plura serrated router.

The CoroMill Plura compression router has a dual 40deg helix and works particularly well when there are woven glass layers on both sides of a component; and as there is an overlap between compressed flutes, the router also performs well on thin, flat materials by reducing material vibration.

Specifically designed for smooth and burr-free finishing passes in CFRP workpieces, the CoroMill Plura low-helix (5deg) router features a high number of teeth and a coating that is designed to facilitate quick cutting and protection from heat.

Right- and left-helix options allow flexibility in material with challenging support conditions, such as weak or ‘compromised’ fixtures.

Finally, the CoroMill Plura serrated router features a large flute form and is designed to achieve very high rates of material removal.

The geometry also offers a dual cutting action designed to reduce delamination and vibration, ultimately providing a single-pass solution to minimise stress on composite parts. All three CoroMill Plura routers can be used with or without coolant.