Walter extends Xtra·tec XT helical milling line

Walter has extended its range of Xtra·tec XT milling cutters to include diameters of 50, 63 and 80mm with the addition of the new M5250 helical milling cutter. Walter’s latest generation of indexable insert milling cutters is characterised by high performance paired with process reliability and this is credited to features that include the reinforced insert pocket and insert seat, and each individual tooth on the M5250 is cooled separately. Walter uses proven, double-edged BC 1605 system inserts on the face of the M5250 and this allows users to choose between various corner radii, cutting tool materials and six geometries.

The G51 geometry is perfect for applications that are likely to incur vibration or for tools with long projection lengths. In contrast, the G55W cutting inserts with the Walter WaveCut geometry are ideal for titanium components with a high machining volume such as those commonly found in the aerospace industry. Walter uses milling cutter-specific SC 1105 cutting inserts with four cutting edges as peripheral inserts.

In addition to steel, cast iron and materials with difficult cutting properties, the helical milling cutter is also suitable for aluminium and other non-ferrous metals. Unlike other fully effective helical milling cutters, the Xtra·tec XT milling cutters can also be used for full slotting alongside shoulder milling, pocket milling and ramping.

As well as flexibility and process reliability that is partially credited to the operational smoothness of the milling cutter, Walter emphasises the high machining volume is possible due to the effective design of the milling cutter and the reduced process costs. These lower costs are the result of the two or four useable cutting edges per indexable insert. It is also the result of the new wear-resistant Tiger·tec cutting tool materials that can be used. This ensures that beyond the aerospace industry, the M5250 offers extensive benefits for the general mechanical engineering sectors too.