When it comes to machining superalloys commonly used in the aerospace, motorsport, and medical sectors, solid carbide cutting tools will only deliver performance to a particular level, so for the best results ceramic cutting tools are ideal, like the CeramicSFeed from
TaeguTec. Ceramic tooling requires a change in mindset and machining strategies, but there are significant dividends if the correct cutting tool is used.
CeramicSFeed is capable of machining at cutting speeds from 300 to 1,000m/min at feed rates of 0.02 to 0.1mm/tooth. Ideal for processing nickel-based superalloys at these elevated machining parameters, the CeramicSFeed incorporates TaeguTec’s C3030 grade and has been developed for the high-performance machining of nickel-based alloys such as Inconel.
An innovative geometry incorporating unequal flute spacing, a high helix angle, and an optimised edge geometry with a unique cutting edge ‘after-treatment’ makes the TaeguTec product stand out. The optimised cutting edge geometry has been developed specifically for machining nickel-based superalloys at high machining parameters.
High-feed machiningAvailable as a four- or six-flute variant, the new CeramicSFeed TC3030 grade is manufactured from a SiAlON composition that provides durability shouldering, slotting and ramping operations. TaeguTec has introduced the TC3030 grade CeramicSFeed with a four- or six-flute CRF variant or the four-flute high-feed CRH range. The CRF has been developed with a larger core diameter to increase stiffness and minimise vibration and its high helix 40deg cutting angle and corner radius extend tool life and improve swarf evacuation during high-feed machining.
In contrast, the high-feed CRH four-flute end mill has been introduced with an extremely robust, high-strength body and cutting-edge design that are suitable for machining at extremely high-feed rates. This combination makes the four-flute CRH the perfect choice for high-feed facing and ramping applications where maximum material removal rates are a necessity. The CeramicSFeed CRF 4-flute and six-flute series are available in 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16mm diameters.
The corner radius ranges from 0.5 to 2mm, and the overall length, depending on the diameter of the tool selected, ranges from 50 to 83mm. The CRH 4 4-flute high-feed end mills also have diameters from 6 to 16mm, with an overall length of 50 to 83mm. Capable of machining at feed rates from 0.1 to 0.3mm/tooth, the CRH 4 incorporates a corner radius from 0.7 to 1.8mm with a necked flute that improves the flexibility of this high-feed end mill.