Rainford Takes Hard Machining to the MAX with New Cutters

9 September 2013

For the machining of extremely hard and abrasive materials, Union Tool has now developed its new HRRS four flute corner radius end mill. To complement the HRRS, the leading Japanese manufacturer has also launched the HLRS Series for long reach applications. Available in the UK from Rainford Precision, the new additions are ideal for manufacturers from all sectors that demand high precision end mills that can deliver remarkable tool life and productivity.

The new HRRS Series is available in diameters from 2 to 12mm with corner radii ranging from 0.3 to 4mm depending upon diameters selection. With unequal tooth spacing, the HRRS promotes rapid material removal rates when rough machining hard materials. However, it is the geometry of the new HRRS that sets it apart from the competition. Incorporating a specially designed seamless corner radius, the HRRS can outperform indexable insert tooling on hard materials up to 65HRc. The corner radius and flute design has been created specifically for high feed machining of hard materials.

This design is supported by an optimal flute length and shank design that enforce rigidity and eliminate chatter when conducting large pitch milling operations. This combines to extend tool life, surface finish and productivity whilst reducing the stress upon the machine spindle. To further enhance its credentials as a market leading performer, the HRRS has Union Tools' renowned Hard Max coating technology and a shank tolerance more accurate than alternate tools with a +0/-0.005 tolerance. This exceptionally precise shank is matched by a corner radius tolerance of +/-0.015mm that ensures precision machinists have the most precise and accurate range of end mills in their armoury.

Complementing the HRRS Series of end mills is the HLRS range of long reach end mills. The HLRS is available in diameters from 0.4 to 6mm in increments of 0.1mm to 1mm diameter and 0.5mm increments to 3mm with corner radius ranging from R0.05mm to R1.0mm for the selected diameters. Like the HRRS, this smaller series is applicable to a variety of material types, yet most suited to hard materials. Also coated with Union Tools' HardMax coating technology, the HLRS is suited to the high performance and precision machining of carbon and alloy steels, pre-hardened and hardened steels, cast iron and copper.