Kaiser Precision Tooling (www.kaisertooling.com), a Swiss manufacturer of high-precision tooling systems, has introduced new insert holders for face-grooving applications. Designed specifically to fit Kaiser’s series 318 and SW twin-cutter boring heads, these are available in the UK from NCMT Ltd, Thames Ditton (www.ncmt.co.uk).

Face grooving with boring tools is generally more efficient than milling with circular interpolation, especially when manufacturing bores with large diameters; and whenever a surface for sealing application is required, there is no other option except using boring tools with face-grooving accessories.

The new face-grooving system can be used as either a single- or twin-cutter grooving tool for diameters from 53 to 3,000mm, with a grooving depth up to 12mm and width up to 9.5mm (5mm with a single cutter).

Using the boring tools as twin cutters — with a simultaneous adjustment in radius and length — allows the feed rate to be increased. Using the cutters in diameter-offset operation allows groove widths up to 9.5mm to be machined; moreover, both inside and outside diameters can be adjusted separately within the smallest tolerances (both cutting edges can be adjusted easily to the same length via an eccentric bolt mechanism and with clear direction indication). Customised versions of these parts can also be provided.