In order to boost the first-stage roughing operation on newly cast aluminium parts for the automotive industry, cutting-tool and tooling systems specialist Sandvik Coromant (www.sandvik.coromant.com) is introducing its M5Q90 tangential milling cutter.

Designed to complete ‘cubing’ (the first machining of faces after casting) in a single operation without creating burrs, the new tool is fitted with PCD tangential inserts that provide a smooth and stable cutting action to reduce power consumption and eliminate vibration.

This ensures reliable performance, improved tool life, exceptional surface finish, a high metal removal rate and an increased number of parts per insert.

Emmanuel David, Sandvik Coromant’s global automotive product manager, said: “To enhance efficiency, our new M5Q90 tangential milling cutter features fully engineered cutter bodies matched with dedicated PCD insert geometries that feature a positive cutting angle to reduce cutting force and load on the machined component.”

M5Q90 cutter bodies are designed according to customer specifications, but they all have the same design of tip seat, coolant channel, lead angle and rake angle.

The tool can operate at speeds above 20,000rev/min, and inserts are always kept in stock.

If desired, the cutter body tool life can be extended with PCD inserts protected by rows of carbide inserts — a configuration that also serves to increase the depth-of-cut capability.

While the basic tool with PCD inserts offers a 2-4mm depth of cut in full engagement, this can be boosted to over 4mm (0.157in) with protective rows of carbide inserts.

The M5Q90 completes the Sandvik Coromant range of tools for machining aluminium automotive parts, complementing the M5B90, M5C90, M5F90, CoroMill Century/590 and M5R90.

Capable of both face and shoulder milling, it is also suitable for many applications in the general engineering and aerospace sectors.