Published 2/21/2023

IMCO Carbide Tool Inc. End Mills Provide Faster Part Cycles

The M936 Pow-R-Feed series is designed to make various toolpath moves without slowing down, providing faster cycle times and more production.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

IMCO Carbide Tool Inc. has developed a new series of end mills — M936 Pow-R-Feed — designed for faster part cycles and speeds, regardless of the machining stations’ horsepower.

The M936 is designed to maximize the output of machines most customers use, according to Steve Avers, IMCO’s technical support manager. With conventional low-horsepower machines, this free cutting action means the M936 cutter can run to the machine’s upper capacity limits.

Users can reportedly make various toolpath moves without slowing down, providing faster cycle times and more production. When a five-axis machine can swing an end mill around in all directions without clogging, the machinist can complete the operation with one chucking, saving time.

Pow-R-Feed M936 end mills are said to offer exceptional tool life through tough-grade carbide, reinforced cutting edges, as well as low chatter due to the variable helix and index, and the advanced AlTiSN coating. The variable index on M936 Pow-R-Feed end mills reduces chatter and provides stability for finishes in slots and confined areas. The specially designed wiper flat end leaves smooth floor finishes. Photo Credit: IMCO Carbide Tool Inc.

Unique flute and core geometries achieve aggressive cutting parameters, and the proprietary end face enables aggressive ramping and helical entry parameters. A super-tough carbide core and an ultra-modern AlTiSN slippery-smooth coating prevent chip buildup and enable higher feeds and metal removal rates. According to the company, tool life is exceptional, due to the variable helix and variable index effects on vibration damping, as well as the specially engineered carbide grade and coating.

“This is the cutter for any programmer machining steels, stainless steels and titanium on three-axis to five-axis CNC machining centers that wants to run fast and helical enter, ramp, slot and peripheral mill at fantastic feed rates,” says Matt Osburn, vice president and technical director for IMCO. “The M936 is designed for very aggressive traditional tool paths, stepovers and depths beyond the reach of any of the industry’s legacy tools. It’s IMCO’s free-est cutting end mill in steels to date.”