Sheffield-based Ceratizit UK & Ireland Ltd (www.ceratizit.com) has announced an extension to its range of indexable-insert threading tools and tool-holders, as part of its WNT Performance range.

The new inserts, designated Mini 06 and Mini 08, can cut left- or right-hand internal threads down to 6mm in diameter.

The Mini 06 inserts are available as full or partial profile for metric and British Standard Whitworth thread forms, while the larger Mini 08 inserts offer full profile for metric threads and a partial profile for 60 and 55deg flank-angle threads.

The inserts come with two options of tool coating: CCN1525 (a TiN coating for use on steels, cast irons and stainless steel); and CCN2520 (for higher speeds on materials that include heat-resistant alloys).

Adrian Fitts, UK and Ireland sales manager (industry solutions), said: “These tools are popular with customers using sliding-head machines and smaller lathes as an alternative to tapping, because they have much greater control over the process; and using single-point tooling greatly reduces the power requirement when compared with taps.

"Cost is also a factor in their popularity, especially when producing threads in more-difficult-to-machine materials such as stainless steel and other alloys, where the tool life for HSS taps is not good.”

The Performance range of tooling has been developed by the Ceratizit Group to give users premium-quality tools developed for specific applications, including areas such as thread cutting.

Tools in the Performance range include: solid and indexable drilling systems; tapping and thread forming; indexable-insert turning and milling; and solid-carbide milling cutters— from WNT, Komet and Ceratizit.