CoroCut QF is a new concept from Halesowen-based Sandvik Coromant that has been developed exclusively for face grooving.

Designed to deliver reliability and process security, even when machining deep and narrow face grooves, CoroCut QF also offers good accessibility to awkward features.

Sandvik Coromant (www.sandvik.coromant.com) says the system features high blade stiffness, while precision coolant further aids “successful and repeatable” face grooving; the insert is tilted for extra stability, while a special slit design ensures that the
correct clamping force is applied.

Purpose-designed rails at the top, bottom and back of the insert also optimise process security by minimising insert movement.

Additional characteristics of CoroCut QF that boost process stability include a new version of the axial-mounting CoroTurn SL head.

Using SL heads means that customers can apply CoroCut QF in conjunction with damped Silent Tools boring bars for internal face grooving — and benefit from increased accessibility to difficult-to-reach features.

The provision of precision over- and under-coolant on a tool of this type is particularly useful when producing deep and narrow face grooves; chips stuck in grooves can lead to insert breakage.

During face grooving, it is common for operators to reduce the feed rate if chips jam, which in turn impedes productivity.

As a result, good chip control and a rigid system that can handle the cutting forces are crucial.

In a customer application, poor chip control and noise were among the issues when face-grooving audio-system parts made from low-carbon steel on a CNC turning centre with a coolant pressure of 35 bar.

By switching to CoroCut QF, the enhanced chip control and process security provided many benefits, not least an increase from 50 to 120 components per insert.

Furthermore, the need for the customer to stop production every 10 components to remove chips that could otherwise ‘block’ turret rotation was eliminated.

CoroCut QF is available with two cutting widths (3 and 4mm), in four grades (GC1105, GC1125, GC1135 and GC1145) and with the -TF geometry for deep face grooving.

A ‘Tailor Made’ service from Sandvik Coromant is also available that makes it possible to build a tool with the exact cutting depth and dia-meter range required for a specific component.