MAPAL has now expanded its high-performance milling portfolio with the addition of the new OptiMill SPM family of milling tools for processing aluminium and steel.
As the industry evolves to increasingly powerful machine tools, end users can now optimise the full potential of these machine tools with the new OptiMill-SPM milling cutters that are available in two formats, the ‘Rough’ and the ‘Finish’ series. Both new tool designations have impressive characteristics for customers to exploit, especially during the machining of aerospace structural parts made of aluminium and aerospace alloys.
Optimised infeed machining depths, as well as the highest feeds during roughing, are possible with the new OptiMill-SPM-Rough. The reason for this performance is the innovative knurled roughing geometry that ensures the power consumption during machining is significantly lower compared to tools with a straight cutting edge. Furthermore, the heat introduction into the part is minimal due to the excellent plunging characteristics of the tool.
The new 3-flute OptiMill-SPM Rough is available with diameters of 12, 16, 20 and 25mm with corner radii of 2, 3 and 4mm to prolong tool life and prevent edge chipping during heavy-duty cutting. With a short flute length of 1.5XD and polished flutes, the OptiMill-SPM Rough has been designed for high material removal rates with vibration and cutting forces minimised due to the smooth cutting action of the tool.
For finishing contours and pocket walls, even at large depths in a single pass – MAPAL has revealed the OptiMill-SPM-Finish. This new end mill prevents swarf wrapping even when operating in corners with enormous tool contact and high machining loads.
The optimally designed cutting-edge geometry ensures there is no vibration during the machining. The chip flutes are polished and as a consequence chip removal functions optimally. Like the OptiMill-SPM Rough, the new OptiMill-SPM-Finish is available in diameters from 12 to 25mm with imperial variants available upon request. The uncoated 4-flute end mill is offered with corner radii from 2 to 4mm and is the perfect choice for aluminium machining.
Optimal for slot milling in steel
The OptiMill-Uni-Wave is another new tool that has been launched for full slot milling at machining depths up to 2XD in a range of different materials. Credit to its impressive geometry, the highest machining rates are possible. Irrespective of all the advantages of the OptiMill-Uni-Wave, machinists are often faced with inconsistent chip removal, particularly when machining steel slots with a depth of cut beyond 1.5xD. For this reason, the new OptiMill-Uni-Wave incorporates central internal cooling. This feature ensures optimal removal of the chips and longer tool life. The PVD coated series is available in diameters of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20mm.
In addition, MAPAL is announcing the OptiMill-Uni-Wave as an extra-long version. This extra-long version provides an efficient solution for roughing even in deep cavities. Despite its length, the new milling cutter is extremely stable due to its conically shaped neck. Available in diameters from 6 to 20mm, the extra-long version of the OptiMill-Uni-Wave demonstrates unsurpassed rigidity and stability, which gives end users certainty that the tool life, performance and surface finish are industry-leading.
