ACT Launches Small Diameter Groove & Part-off Range

18 October 2012

Now available from Advanced Carbide Tooling (ACT) for the precision multi-functional grooving and parting off of small components is the new ACT2.2 Four-in-One tooling system. Giving end users the ability to conduct parting-off, precision grooving, face grooving, light turning and profile turning operations with one tool, the new ACT2.2 offers improved productivity and tool life whilst reducing tool changes and set-up times.

The 2.2mm wide indexable insert tooling range from ACT is available with square shank toolholders that range from 10X10 through to 25X25mm for everything from the smallest of sliding head turning centres through to large robust applications on fixed head turning centres, with a capability to part off up to 42mm diameter components. The ACT 2.2 range offers exceptional rigidity and tool life with a mechanically clamped insert that has full side reinforcement for the blade. This ensures the turned parts are 100% flat with no conical surfaces.

The range also includes what is claimed to be the strongest small diameter face grooving system available, capable of face grooving down to 14mm diameter, with a reach up to 12mm deep.
Additionally, the new toolholder design, has an integral shank design that improves strength and rigidity. This design consists of a stepped down blade design that supports the enhancement of tool life. With insert grades available for the machining of carbon and alloy steel, stainless steels, cast iron, copper, bronze, brass, aluminium alloys and titanium alloys, the ACT 2.2 undoubtedly delivers industry with an extremely flexible tooling system. Furthermore, the ACT2.2 series is available with geometries for threading, 'V' groove turning, 'O' ring and circlip grooving, corner radius and chamfer machining as well as full radius and fish tail grooving.

The ACT product range is also complemented by the Microcut range of parting and grooving tools, for manufacture of the smallest components. The Microcut inserts are available from widths of 0.5 to 1.6mm, with a selection of approach angles to meet the individual needs of the end user. With carbide TiALN coated and HSS/TiN coated inserts, the Microcut range further extends the material diversity of ACT's parting and grooving line. Maximum insert reach is 8mm permitting the end users to part off up to 16mm solid bar, whilst retaining the strength, rigidity and tool life that is expected from ACT's high quality range of parting and grooving tools.

The Microcut addition to the range provides the customer with toolholder dimensions down to 8X8mm for particularly small tool platens to 20x20 shanks for larger parting off applications. Both the ACT2.2 and Microcut tooling ranges have been designed for rapid insert removal and replacement to improve accuracy, repeatability and productivity whilst reducing machine downtime.