Machining aluminium composite material (ACM) can be a challenge and can often result in poor surface finishes, excessive tool wear and secondary hand-finishing, as well as inconsistent tool performance — common problems for manufacturers in the sign-making industry.
While Tamworth-based
Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) is already in a position to remove these issues with its range of high-quality cutting tools, the manufacturer has now also launched a new line of folding tools that have been developed specifically for mineral core ACM.
The Mineral Core ACM folding tools are manufactured from a micro-grain solid carbide that provides exceptional wear resistance. Added to this, ITC has added the new Vitreo coating technology to further extend cutting-edge performance, dissipate heat generation from the cutting area and improve wear resistance.
Complementing the solid-carbide composition and the Vitreo coating technology is a specially developed helical flute geometry with the choice of either a 90deg or 135deg inclusive angle.
Capable of typically folding mineral core ACM up to 4mm thick, the latest addition to the ITC portfolio is available in two sizes. There is a 10mm tool with an inclusive angle of 90deg, a 3mm wide flat and an overall length of 70mm, as well as a larger 20mm diameter tool with a 135deg inclusive angle and a 2mm flat with an overall tool length of 60mm.
These optimised dimensions provide exceptional rigidity and stability that enables end users to cut mineral core ACM at high feeds and speeds with confidence.