End Mills Overcome Challenges of Machining Hardened Steels

Advanced cutting tool technology from IMCO Carbide Tool, Inc. (Perrysburg, OH) has achieved another metalworking breakthrough with the new wave of Omega M7 end mills.

“Omega M726 and M725 end mills are specially designed to overcome the unique challenges of machining in hardened steels, even up to 58-62 HRC, running wet or dry,” said IMCO president Perry Osburn. “We’ve produced significant increases in tool life, and corresponding savings in tool costs, by applying our advanced understanding of cutting technology to make sure our end mills are the best they can possibly be.”

That process resulted in changes to corner geometries, a 50 deg helix angle, improved cutting edges and a more advanced AlTiNX coating to protect those cutting edges from heat generated in the cutting zone, even under extreme cutting conditions.

Six flutes provide more cutting edge engagement per rotation for more inches per minutes in hardened steels, and extra strength for remarkably longer tool life. Running dry requires use of modern high-speed, high-efficiency machining techniques and continuous toolpaths.

Tested in the company’s machining lab in A2 steel at HRC 60 using a 1/4 in diameter end mill at 0.25 in axial DOC and 0.015 in radial DOC, the Omega M726 end mill lasted more than three times longer than comparable competitors’ tools and even the original M706. In addition, the M726 end mill provides reliably superior finishes in a wide range of non-hardened materials.

The Omega M7 line is available in sizes from 1/8 in to 3/4 in and in a variety of lengths with neck relief and corner radii as standard options. Sizes 1/8 in to 3/16 in have five flutes for maximum chip evacuation and are designated the M725 series. All other geometries on M725 end mills are the same as those on M726 end mills.

Since 1977, IMCO has focused on one goal: to provide manufacturers in a variety of industries with quality products to help them achieve new levels of profitability, customer satisfaction and a competitive advantage. By revolutionizing the way their tools are designed, produced, tested and used, the company strives to meet the ever-changing needs of a technologically diverse customer base.

In serving the needs of customers world-wide, IMCO will continue to focus investments on the areas that matter most to the consumer, product quality, performance and service.

IMCO Carbide Tool, Inc., 28170 Cedar Park Boulevard, Perrysburg, OH 43551,800-765-4626, www.imcousa.com.