Three-in-One Cutter Boosts Thread Milling Capabilities

Walter USA’s Thrill∙tec TC645 Supreme thread milling cutter combines the machining steps of core hole drilling, chamfering and threading in a single tool and operation to boost productivity. The cutting tool creates the core hole and threads using helical interpolation.

The left-hand cutting tool can also be used for chamfering, which should take place before thread milling at the thread entry. The tool’s face, or front milling geometry, enables core hole drilling, chamfering, milling and threading. The ability to combine work steps results in fewer machine shutdowns for cutting tool changes, Walter USA reports. 

The Thrill∙tec TC645 Supreme is made from the coated WB10TJ grade to provide high performance when machining steel, stainless steel, cast iron, nonferrous metal, and super alloys and titanium alloys (ISO P, M, K, N and S material groups).

Other features include a modified cutting geometry to avoid chipping, and an internal coolant duct for emulsion, maximizing tool life when machining workpiece materials as hard as 48 HRC; Walter notes that the cutting tool should only be used when internal coolant is available to help evacuate chips. These features, and a 20-degree helix, optimize chip removal even at high cutting speeds and feeds per tooth, meaning it can create blind hole and through-hole threads at projection lengths of 2-2.5X deep. Walter offers the TC645 in dimensions of M4 to M12, UNC 8 to UNC ½ and G1/16 to G¼, with plans for additional versions coming soon. The shank is in accordance with the DIN 6535 HA standard.

In addition to maximizing process reliability and its universality, the Thrill∙tec TC645 Supreme thread mill also provides a low cost per thread with its fast machining and indexing times. Its long life and short cycle times also make it ideal for mass production and small part runs.