Mapal FixReam 700: reamer with nine lives

Particularly sustainable: the FixReam 700 cylindrical shank reamers from Mapal

Rugby-based Mapal, a supplier of cutting tools for the automotive industry, has launched a series of cylindrical shank reamers with brazed cutting edges. Within the range of monolithic solid carbide tools for reaming, they are adding a particularly sustainable variant to the existing product line.

What is special about the FixReam 700 reamers is their sutainability credentials, which are achieved by replacing the cutting edges and regrinding. A tool can be reground twice before new cutting edges have to be brazed in. After that, it is possible to regrind the tool twice more, replace the cutting edges again and then regrind the tool twice more. One reamer therefore has nine lives in total. During servicing, the manufacturer expands the tool a little with an expansion screw and as a result can regrind all functional surfaces — lead and diameter. Tool costs can be reduced by up to 15% compared to a tool without an expansion function.

Mapal has developed and patented new geometries especially for these reamers. As a result, users achieve up to 30% better roundness and cylindrical form as well as improved chip removal compared to other cylindrical shank reamers. The FixReam 700 reamers are available in two variants for through bores and blind bores with uncoated, wear-resistant cermet cutting edges for machining steel and cast iron materials. They are available in two lengths as short or long versions, as is customary in the market. The tools can be configured in a diameter range from 9.9 to 32.2mm.