Ringwood-based Horn Cutting Tools Ltd (www.phorn.co.uk) has introduced a CVD (chemical vapour deposition) diamond-tipped tool system — DDHM — for the cost-effective drilling and countersinking of sintered carbides and ceramics with hardnesses up to 3,000 HV.

It provides short throughput times, high surface quality, lower costs and more flexibility in the production process, as well as long tool life.

Furthermore, because these cutters allow machining to take place on conventional milling and turning centres, they do away with costly and time-consuming grinding and eroding processes.

Horn says there is also an opportunity for manufacturers to save in capital plant, as investment in new machinery can potentially be avoided.

Due to its ability to machine carbide punches and dies efficiently, the DDHM system can be used by manufacturers in the tool- and die-making sector.

However, the tool also offers advantages in other areas, including the medical, aerospace and automotive industries, as well as in ‘punching, forging and forming technology’.

The CVD-D-tipped drills can be used for producing holes in solid material to a maximum depth of 10-times the diameter. They are of two-edged design and are available in diameters ranging from 2 to 10mm. All versions feature an internal coolant supply.

For chamfering and countersinking, Horn offers its CVD-D end mill from stock, with diameters of 3 and 6mm, and flank angles of 15, 30 and 45deg. The 3mm version has five teeth, while the 6mm version has six.