For the precision cutting of components and slots, Hertfordshire-based Floyd Automatic Tooling has introduced the new Nutex Star Mini system that incorporates a powerful interface with small shank diameters that helps to extend the application possibilities and complements the existing line of Nutex saws.

Available with a range of saw blade diameters and widths, along with a comprehensive selection of toolholders, the Nutex Star Mini is ideal for all machine shops as precision cutting is assured with an innovative design that delivers precision, repeatability, ease of use and uncompromising tool life, regardless of the material being cut.

Precision cutting is derived from the saw and holder having an identically ground seven-cam interface. This makes the mounting of blades a self-centring proposition that is backlash-free. Furthermore, the saws can be hollow ground or in the known ‘Plus’ design with a side relief angle. The mounting process is rapidly conducted with precision credit to a central screw system that enables fast and easy fitting on the long solid carbide holders.

The seven-cam design also ensures that cutting forces are transmitted evenly and tangentially. This enables significantly higher cutting forces to be transmitted through the system, especially when compared with rival systems that offer two, three or four driving cams. The benefit for the end-user is two-fold with improved precision and process reliability, especially when cutting challenging materials such as aerospace or medical-grade alloys that demand increased torque.

To enhance swarf removal and prolong tool life, Alesa has developed the Nutex Star Mini with through-coolant supply that delivers coolant directly to the saw surface via internal cooling channels in the tool shanks. They are manufactured from steel or optionally solid carbide to enhance rigidity, performance, vibration dampening and tool life and are cylindrically ground to h6 with the option of a Weldon design.

Furthermore, the carbide saws are available uncoated or TiNox coated to cater for a variety of material types. The TiNox coated blades are available with a 15, 20, 25 or 32mm diameter with each increment offering an effective cutting width of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2mm — the larger diameter saws also having 2.5 and 3mm increments.

The arbors and saws are available in two star interface types, the type GS10 provides maximum performance and the type GS07 has been developed for maximum groove depth. Also available from 15 to 32mm diameters, the uncoated saws provide an effective cutting width of 2, 2.1, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1 and 3.2mm depending upon the chosen saw blade.

The toolholders are available with a steel (Type A6) or solid carbide shank (Type A5) with diameters of 6, 8, 10, and 12mm with an overall length from 50.3 to 111.6mm. The benefits of this impressive new system include the radial and axial assembly with a very high repeat accuracy that is offered in a number of different cutting depths.