The exchangeable head MaxxRush toolholder with ceramic head (left) alongside the new indexible ceramic end mill line from TaeguTecWetherby-based
TaeguTec has expanded its CERAMIC-SFEED product line, marking a major advancement in high-speed machining of heat-resistant aerospace alloys (HRSA). The new additions, which include ceramic-brazed end mills and MAXI-RUSH head types, have already demonstrated outstanding performance in demanding aerospace and power generation applications.
The tools are coated with TaeguTec’s advanced TC3030 SiAlON ceramic grade, offering exceptional heat resistance and maintaining high-temperature hardness throughout machining. Designed for high-speed and high-feed milling, the CERAMIC-SFEED range features unevenly spaced cutting edges and a high helix angle, enabling cutting speeds of up to 1,000m/min when processing nickel and cobalt alloys. This geometry ensures superior machining performance and extended tool life.
Among the new arrivals is the MXCRF series, a six-flute corner radius ceramic brazed head compatible with MAXI-RUSH holders. It is ideal for shouldering, facing, and ramping applications, particularly in shallow depth-of-cut conditions. Also introduced is the CRFB 6 series, a six-flute corner radius ceramic brazed end mill suited to similar applications. These additions complement the existing CRF 4 and CRF 6 ceramic end mills, while the CRH 4 high-feed ceramic end mill offers further versatility for facing and ramping operations.
Superior rigidityA key innovation in the expanded range is the ceramic-brazed construction method. By combining ceramic heads with carbide shanks, the tools achieve superior rigidity and reduced vibration compared to full ceramic shanks. The ceramic-brazed MAXI-RUSH heads also offer compatibility with various shank options, allowing users to adapt to a wide range of machining conditions.
The TC3030 ceramic grade maintains its hardness at high temperatures, far exceeding the performance of carbide. While carbide tools lose hardness as temperatures rise, ceramic tools preserve their integrity even as the nickel alloy workpiece begins to soften. This capability enables the tools to operate effectively at temperatures where the workpiece becomes red-hot, facilitating dynamic rough machining at elevated speeds and feeds.
TaeguTec recommends cutting speeds between 300 and 1,000m/min depending on the application. The MXCRF six-flute brazed head end mills are available in diameters of 10, 12 and 16mm, with corner radii of 1, 1.5 and 2mm respectively. Featuring a 40deg helix and the high-performance TC3030 grade, the MXCRF series sets a new benchmark in ceramic tooling.
The CRFB 6 brazed end mills are offered in diameters from 6 to 16mm, with corner radii ranging from 0.5 to 2mm and overall lengths between 50 and 83mm. These dimensions match those of the existing CRF 4 and CRF 6 tools, with effective flute lengths (APMX) from 4.5 to 12mm. The CERAMIC-SFEED line is specifically designed for HRSA roughing operations in aerospace and power generation components, but is not recommended for titanium alloys or stainless steel machining.