High-Feed Milling Insert Addition Adds to Mold Machining Optimization

Source | Iscar USA

Iscar USA’s the Mill-4-Feed high-feed milling tool features a single-sided, four-edge, high-positive insert geometry combined with a positive axial and radial cutter geometry, resulting in a cutting tool that provides a free cutting action capable of extreme metal removal rates while being easy on the machine.

High-feed cutting tool designs optimize moldmakers’ approach to rough milling. Providing a light depth of cut, but at higher feeds, results in the generation of near-net part shapes when using a Z-level (top down) toolpath approach. This leaves behind less materials and mitigates or eliminate additional toolpath needs, which enables mold builders to move directly to the semi-finish or finish operations. Moreover, these types of cutting tools — like Iscar’s Mill-4-Feed — excel when engaged near vertical walls or steep geometries with slight angles and maintain high productivity levels for roughing applications when the need for long-length cutting tool assemblies is required to machine a component. Additional benefits include the ability to adapt insert geometries and insert grades, based on the material types and hardness of material being machined.

Iscar’s cutting tools are available in end mill, Multi-Master, and FlexFit quick change configurations in diameters ranging from 0.625" up to 1.25". The tools feature coolant directed at the cutting edge for optimal cooling and are capable of 0.028" depth of cut and feed rates up to 0.0394"/tooth.

Inserts are available with highly productive insert geometries for a wide range of engineering materials:

FFQ4 SOMT 060210T: A general-duty insert for ISO P and ISO K application groups.
FFQ4 SOMT 060210HP: Intended for ISO M and ISO S application groups.
FFQ4 SOMW 060213T: A flat top insert for ISO H application groups.

The addition of 6-mm insert to the Mill-4-Feed family expands the application range with four insert sizes and tool diameters ranging from 0.625" to 6.00", offering high-productivity solutions for light-duty and high-horsepower applications alike.