Halesowen-based Sandvik Coromant, the Swedish cutting-tool and tooling-systems specialist, has introduced an extension to its popular CoroCut 1-2 carbide and CBN-tipped grooving inserts, designed specifically for seal fin machining in HRSA materials (www.sandvikcoromant.com).

The company has responded to market demand by adding a 1.5mm insert (to the original 2mm) that meets the challenges of producing small seal fins on aerospace engine disks and engine casings, giving customers the extra clearances required for robust machining.

Seal fins, which feature pockets and grooves with small radii, work as a gas seal between the rotating and stationary parts of a turbine. Each fin is machined in advanced HRSA materials, developed to withstand extreme temperatures and pressure differences.

CoroCut 1-2 grooving tools are robust high-precision solutions that deliver consistent chip control and process security — critical when producing these key features.

The new 1.5mm CoroCut 1-2 insert width for machining smaller seal fin features is offered with -RO geometry in three grades, GC1105, GC1125 and S05F.

The proven geometry and grades provide good chip formation and reliable machining with excellent surface finish, while a patented CoroCut rail interface ensures mounting security.

Jenny Claus, product manager (parting and grooving) at Sandvik Coromant, said: “Each periphery-ground carbide insert provides high levels of edge sharpness and the ability to hold tight tolerances.

“As a result, they allow the generation of even smaller-radii profiles with the correct profile width.”

Importantly, profiling with a non-linear tool-path (instead of plunging) using CoroCut 1-2 inserts will result in optimised chip control, even cutting wear and less component stress, which is critical for aerospace engine parts.

Non-linear tool-path profiling uses the whole front edge line of the insert and continuously changes the contact point between insert and material.

The benefits are far-reaching; they include improved productivity, process security and tool life, as well as fewer passes.

All of the newly introduced CoroCut 1-2 inserts are available as standard stocked items.

Also new are updated CoroTurn SL70 cutting heads to suit both insert widths and complement the existing modular assortment.

Designed to fit typical profiling and pocketing features in jet engines, gas turbine discs, rotors and shafts, configurable assemblies can be achieved with CoroTurn SL70 cutting heads and Coromant Capto adaptors. Precision coolant is a standard feature.

Although they are optimised for HRSA materials, CoroCut 1-2 grooving tools can also be applied successfully to stainless steel and steel workpieces.