Tooling expert Walter GB Ltd, Bromsgrove (www.walter-tools.com), is using a replaceable front end for its modular M4258 porcupine milling cutter for shoulder and face milling to combine the ‘cost-effective’ benefits of rigid milling with those of indexable inserts — and continuing the Walter trend to “save users’ tool costs through reduced tooling inventories”.

The fast and easy replacement of the tool’s front piece — the part that typically becomes worn most quickly (the front end face and initial shoulder are where the machining forces are greatest) — means that the M4258
cutter can ‘continue to be used cost-effectively’.

M4258 system inserts are available as square types with four cutting edges and as rhombic types with two cutting edges; they can be used not only for porcupine milling cutters but also for face, shoulder, chamfer and T-slot milling cutters available in the M4000 cutter range.

Furthermore, different insert geometries (such as the D51 anti-vibration type) allow these tools to be used in difficult cutting conditions — and Tiger.tec Gold inserts are available within the range to provide further tool life benefits.

Walter Capto C6 and C8 interfaces ensure positive-locking connection for a tool that provides good chip clearance and internal cooling for high process reliability and safe chip evacuation.

Available in diameters from 50 to 80mm, M4258 cutters with M4000 inserts are suitable for use on cast irons, steels and stainless steels, as well as materials with difficult cutting properties.