The Double Quattromill 14 face-milling cutter from Alcester-based Seco Tools (UK) Ltd (www.secotools.com) uses double-sided inserts with eight cutting edges for cost-effectiveness as well as for increased depths of cut in roughing, semi-finishing and finishing operations.

The company designed the Double Quattromill 14 as a smaller version of its Double Quattromill 22, which is optimised for large machines with higher power and torque capabilities.

The Double Quattromill 14 is available in 45deg and 68deg lead angle versions for depths of cut up to 6mm and 8mm respectively.

The 45deg cutter, which is suitable for use with weak or unstable fixturing, provides good chip thinning and allows the use of high feed rates.

The 68deg version allows high depths of cut with the same size of inscribed circle on the insert as the 45deg one, but with better clearance to avoid sidewalls or part fixturing.

Unlike the inserts on standard tangential-type face mills, the Double Quattromill 14 offers lower cutting forces; this extends tool life and reduces power consumption (and the strain on the machine).

The cutter bodies come in fixed-pocket and cassette styles, with standard or close pitch (in metric or inch versions).

Furthermore, Seco has applied its new ‘surface texture technology’ to the flute surfaces of the cutter body; this helps to improve chip control and chip evacuation, as well as the durability of the cutter body.

The Double Quattromill 14 offers three insert ranges with various edges and grade options.

The ME10 geometry comes with no edge protection and is suitable for machining sticky materials, as well as stainless steels and titanium.

The M10 geometry includes a small T-land, making it the first-choice geometry for steel applications, while M16 provides the best edge protection of the three insert geometries when machining materials such as steels, tool steels and cast irons.