Milling Cutter For Aluminum Alloys

The VFlash line of milling cutters is intended for the high speed machining of aluminum alloys. Featuring a serrated pocket design and direct-mount, insert-clamping system, this milling cutter is designed to complement today’s high speed machining centers. It is said to offer safe, rigid and chatter-free operations at speeds as fast as 20,000 sfm—rates for optimal usage of tipped polycrystalline diamond (PCD) inserts for aluminum applications and cubic boron nitride (CBN) tools for other materials. The rigidity of the insert mount is characterized by a closed wedge-lock, pocket design, in which the majority of the insert’s body is protected and able to absorb high centrifugal forces. According to the company, overall system strength is enhanced by incorporating a serrated insert face and pocket surface to align and secure the insert, thereby decreasing lateral shift during operation. Within the pocket, the hardened wedge-lock is positioned at the insert underside to act as a damper against vibrations and is designed to protect the cutter body in case of collisions. The cutter body is manufactured from steel and hardened for added resistance to chip abrasion wear-and-tear. The direct-mount insert results in a more compact and durable clamping system than conventional-style mechanisms and permits a more aggressive pitch and higher insert density, says the company, adding that this allows for greater feed and material-removal rates. The milling cutters range in size from 2" in diameter to 12" in diameter and use the company’s ValProTM serrated-style, PCD-tipped inserts for aluminum and non-ferrous work, or CBN selections for a wide range of applications.