Hoffmann Group and Haimer will be working together in the future for Haimer’s tooling and presetting technology.

The concept of an ‘all-in-one’ compact 90° indexable cutter suitable for various milling operations – for example, milling square shoulders, slot or complex contours, along with drilling capabilities – is not new. Such a cutter excels in many machining applications, eliminating the need for specialised tools.

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Along with these new developments, the campaign also introduces additional designs that improve and expand the existing families. There is also a special emphasis on the digital component, which has become an integral part of tools for modern smart manufacturing. In fact, LogiQuick sets the direction for Iscar's strategy in the coming years.

This optimises insert utilisation, reduces the frequency of insert replacements, and lowers costs. The insert pocket's robust design incorporates a dovetail clamping mechanism, enhancing process reliability. While the cutter is characterised by one effective tooth during drilling, it features two effective teeth during milling, offering a significant functional advantage.

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Fig1The latest Iscar LogiQuick campaign has unveiled a diverse range of new cutting tools, effectively replenishing the company's portfolio. In this article, Iscar’s senior technical manager, Andrei Petrilin explains how these new products are all focused on delivering enhanced performance, increased productivity and greater profitability.Iscar is known for prioritising innovation, so it comes as no surprise that these new products have piqued the interest of the metalworking community, including machine shops and other cutting tool manufacturers. The innovations span across all aspects of the company's range, including turning, parting, holemaking, milling, threading, and toolholding.Along with these new developments, the campaign also introduces additional designs that improve and expand the existing families. There is also a special emphasis on the digital component, which has become an integral part of tools for modern smart manufacturing. In fact, LogiQuick sets the direction for Iscar's strategy in the coming years.This review aims to explore the benefits of some recently introduced products and reveal how they can boost the profitability of machining operations. At times, a newcomer might appear insignificant. However, even a seemingly minor change is strategically directed towards enhancing cutting performance to improve cost-effectiveness. According to Iscar, this aspect is the heart, the essence of the entire product development process.Fig2Classical expansionsFollowing market demands, the set of product families has been expanded using a traditional approach. For example, the Sumocham self-centring drilling heads family, which falls within the diameter range of 4 to 32.9mm, has been enriched by introducing 0.1mm diameter increment sizes in addition to the initial 0.5mm increment. The cutting geometry of these heads is optimised for drilling both steel and cast iron (ISO P and ISO K groups of application). This means that one head can replace two other types, resulting in reduced stock.Another example is the Chatterfree solid carbide end mills (SCEM) family. These versatile tools are designed for machining steel, stainless steel, and hardened steel (ISO P, ISO M, and ISO H groups of application). They have been expanded with a variety of new corner radii.Additionally, the T-Slot family, a popular range of slot milling cutters with exchangeable solid carbide heads, has been expanded to include a new head diameter of 25mm. This upgrade lowers the minimum limit of the T-Slot head diameter range and is designed to accommodate a wider range of widths, making the heads highly efficient for milling narrow slots and grooves in various workpiece materials.New developments in thread millingIscar has expanded its family of solid carbide thread endmills by introducing new tools with an increased number of flutes (up to eight), significantly reducing machining time. A few words are worth mentioning about the new Quick-M-Thread family of milling cutters with triangular inserts (Fig. 1) in the range of indexable threading products.These incorporate a step-release design concept that substantially reduces cutting forces, minimises bending load, and improves dynamic stability, thereby enhancing productivity. The new tools, both solid and indexable, are also equipped with an internal coolant supply option, which not only increases the cooling effect and lubricity during thread milling but also contributes to better chip flow and surface finish.Fig3Multi-Master’s headline The Multi-Master family of tools with exchangeable cutting heads has been an Iscar flagship product for almost a quarter of a century. Despite its longevity, innovation never stops within this versatile product line. The launch of the LogiQuick campaign has introduced new developments, further expanding the application range of the popular family.One of the new products is a series of six-flute solid carbide heads, intended for quick metal removal in roughing using the high feed milling (HFM) method (Fig. 2). These heads have ramping and slotting capabilities and are suitable for machining hard steel and cast iron (up to HRC 65). They are available in diameters ranging from 8 to 25mm. Another addition is represented by new three-flute heads specifically designed for shallow drilling operations (with a depth of up to one head diameter). The heads seamlessly combine the highly efficient cutting geometry of Logiq-3-Cham, another popular Iscar product, with the exceptional robustness of the Multi-Master concept. This combination results in a highly productive drilling tool, especially when used with materials that produce short chips.A new double-sided design featuring two pockets in one shank offers cost-effectiveness and sustainable utilisation of the shank material. The shank, which is made of steel, includes a central through hole for internal coolant supply.A novel design for a known conceptThe concept of an ‘all-in-one’ compact 90° indexable cutter suitable for various milling operations – for example, milling square shoulders, slot or complex contours, along with drilling capabilities – is not new. Such a cutter excels in many machining applications, eliminating the need for specialised tools. However, the Quick-D-Mill (Fig. 4), a new family of these cutters, features an innovative design that undoubtedly provides additional benefits for customers. The family includes double-toothed right-hand cutters with two rectangular-shaped indexable carbide inserts. Each insert possesses a total of 4 cutting edges, and the Quick-D-Mill design enables the insert to be used for both central and peripheral cutting.Fig4This optimises insert utilisation, reduces the frequency of insert replacements, and lowers costs. The insert pocket's robust design incorporates a dovetail clamping mechanism, enhancing process reliability. While the cutter is characterised by one effective tooth during drilling, it features two effective teeth during milling, offering a significant functional advantage.The new cutters are produced in an endmill design with a diameter range of 16-25 mm. Additionally, the Multi-Master head configuration is available within the same range, featuring an option for a pinpointed internal high-pressure coolant supply.Elevating the well-known to a higher level by infusing it with new qualities is a phrase that Iscar says, summarises the essence of the Quick-D-Mill family. AI power for NEOITAThe NEOITA Iscar Tool Adviser, a ‘hybrid expert’ that suggests optimal tooling solutions for specific machining applications, has improved its online features. In terms of drilling processes, the recently introduced editing and comparison functions make it easier to challenge the NEOITA. It is achieved by adjusting the suggested cutting data, considering factors such as machine characteristics, batch sizes, and adaptation limitations. Consequently, this empowers engineers to choose the most suitable machining parameters. By simulating drilling cycles, customers can achieve the desired commercial result.Also, NEOITA has been enhanced with a new smart AI feature, which allows users to search for and access detailed material specifications, including metallurgical composition and common uses. The search results can then be incorporated into the NEOITA material library database or the customer's personal libraries, if needed.Iscarwww.iscar.co.uk

Furthermore, as part of the new cooperation, Hoffmann will also add the complete range of the Haimer Duo-Lock to its program. Gregor Weber of Hoffmann Group is convinced: “Duo-Lock enhances our product offering by its highly accurate and very stable modular interface for milling. The patented system with a double cone and an additional contact area enables significantly higher cutting performance compared to competitive modular systems.”

One of the new products is a series of six-flute solid carbide heads, intended for quick metal removal in roughing using the high feed milling (HFM) method (Fig. 2). These heads have ramping and slotting capabilities and are suitable for machining hard steel and cast iron (up to HRC 65).

Following market demands, the set of product families has been expanded using a traditional approach. For example, the Sumocham self-centring drilling heads family, which falls within the diameter range of 4 to 32.9mm, has been enriched by introducing 0.1mm diameter increment sizes in addition to the initial 0.5mm increment. The cutting geometry of these heads is optimised for drilling both steel and cast iron (ISO P and ISO K groups of application). This means that one head can replace two other types, resulting in reduced stock.

Additionally, Hoffmann will integrate the Haimer Mill series in all shank versions (Safe-Lock, straight shank and Weldon) to expand the technological product offering. The Haimer Mill geometry is universally applicable and offers unique performance advantages, especially in steel and stainless steel, but can also be used in cast iron, aluminum and other materials. Moreover, with its exceptional face geometry, the Haimer Mill impresses with aggressive cutting parameters during ramping and slotting as well as unsurpassed process reliability during drilling operations.

Also, NEOITA has been enhanced with a new smart AI feature, which allows users to search for and access detailed material specifications, including metallurgical composition and common uses. The search results can then be incorporated into the NEOITA material library database or the customer's personal libraries, if needed.

The NEOITA Iscar Tool Adviser, a ‘hybrid expert’ that suggests optimal tooling solutions for specific machining applications, has improved its online features. In terms of drilling processes, the recently introduced editing and comparison functions make it easier to challenge the NEOITA.

The HyproJET X6 from Ceratizit is based on an improved and patented design which makes is possible to increase cutting performance, leading and lifetime.

It is achieved by adjusting the suggested cutting data, considering factors such as machine characteristics, batch sizes, and adaptation limitations. Consequently, this empowers engineers to choose the most suitable machining parameters. By simulating drilling cycles, customers can achieve the desired commercial result.

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With the manufacturer’s brand of Haimer, Hoffmann as a leading catalogue distributor, strives for a "differentiation based on the technological advantage as well as an expansion and completion of the product offering by Safe-Lock, Duo-Lock, Haimer Mill and the Microset products" according to Borries Schüler, Member of the Board for Product Management & Engineering at the Hoffmann Group.

MSC Industrial Supply Co. UK (MSC) is celebrating a successful season after sponsoring two local youth football teams during the 2023/2024 campaign.

MSC Industrial Supply Co. UK (MSC) is celebrating a successful season after sponsoring two local youth football teams during the 2023/2024 campaign.

They are available in diameters ranging from 8 to 25mm. Another addition is represented by new three-flute heads specifically designed for shallow drilling operations (with a depth of up to one head diameter). The heads seamlessly combine the highly efficient cutting geometry of Logiq-3-Cham, another popular Iscar product, with the exceptional robustness of the Multi-Master concept. This combination results in a highly productive drilling tool, especially when used with materials that produce short chips.

The Multi-Master family of tools with exchangeable cutting heads has been an Iscar flagship product for almost a quarter of a century. Despite its longevity, innovation never stops within this versatile product line. The launch of the LogiQuick campaign has introduced new developments, further expanding the application range of the popular family.

This review aims to explore the benefits of some recently introduced products and reveal how they can boost the profitability of machining operations. At times, a newcomer might appear insignificant. However, even a seemingly minor change is strategically directed towards enhancing cutting performance to improve cost-effectiveness. According to Iscar, this aspect is the heart, the essence of the entire product development process.

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The new cutters are produced in an endmill design with a diameter range of 16-25 mm. Additionally, the Multi-Master head configuration is available within the same range, featuring an option for a pinpointed internal high-pressure coolant supply.

Last but not least, Haimer Microset's UNO series of tool presetters round off the partnership. Through the cooperation within this segment, Hoffmann especially wants to enable its customers in the medium-sized business sector to take a further step towards digitalized tool data management and communication with CADCAM systems as well as machine controls.

Additionally, the T-Slot family, a popular range of slot milling cutters with exchangeable solid carbide heads, has been expanded to include a new head diameter of 25mm. This upgrade lowers the minimum limit of the T-Slot head diameter range and is designed to accommodate a wider range of widths, making the heads highly efficient for milling narrow slots and grooves in various workpiece materials.

Iscar is known for prioritising innovation, so it comes as no surprise that these new products have piqued the interest of the metalworking community, including machine shops and other cutting tool manufacturers. The innovations span across all aspects of the company's range, including turning, parting, holemaking, milling, threading, and toolholding.

These incorporate a step-release design concept that substantially reduces cutting forces, minimises bending load, and improves dynamic stability, thereby enhancing productivity. The new tools, both solid and indexable, are also equipped with an internal coolant supply option, which not only increases the cooling effect and lubricity during thread milling but also contributes to better chip flow and surface finish.

Starting in August 2022, the new Hoffmann catalogue will include products supplied by Haimer, the Germany-based precision tool manufacturer and quality market leader. Focusing specifically on Europe, Hoffmann will distribute the patented Haimer systems Safe-Lock (in the product range of solid carbide end mills and tool holder technology), Duo-Lock as well as the Haimer Mill solid carbide end mills in a wide variety of designs and the Haimer Microset tool presetters.

A new double-sided design featuring two pockets in one shank offers cost-effectiveness and sustainable utilisation of the shank material. The shank, which is made of steel, includes a central through hole for internal coolant supply.

Elevating the well-known to a higher level by infusing it with new qualities is a phrase that Iscar says, summarises the essence of the Quick-D-Mill family.

Iscar has expanded its family of solid carbide thread endmills by introducing new tools with an increased number of flutes (up to eight), significantly reducing machining time. A few words are worth mentioning about the new Quick-M-Thread family of milling cutters with triangular inserts (Fig. 1) in the range of indexable threading products.

"It is particularly often used as part of modern machining strategies. With Safe-Lock, productivity and tool life can be significantly increased compared to conventional Weldon cutters. By licensing the Garant end-mills, Safe-Lock will finally become the de facto standard and enable a large number of SME customers to easily apply the latest trochoidal milling strategies," added Tobias Völker, director global marketing and head of distributor sales Europe at Haimer.

With thousands of exhibitors and four days of intense product sourcing, networking and learning, the sheetmetal working industry is gearing up for its benchmark event, EuroBLECH 2024.

The latest Iscar LogiQuick campaign has unveiled a diverse range of new cutting tools, effectively replenishing the company's portfolio. In this article, Iscar’s senior technical manager, Andrei Petrilin explains how these new products are all focused on delivering enhanced performance, increased productivity and greater profitability.

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Another example is the Chatterfree solid carbide end mills (SCEM) family. These versatile tools are designed for machining steel, stainless steel, and hardened steel (ISO P, ISO M, and ISO H groups of application). They have been expanded with a variety of new corner radii.

The HyproJET X6 from Ceratizit is based on an improved and patented design which makes is possible to increase cutting performance, leading and lifetime.

However, the Quick-D-Mill (Fig. 4), a new family of these cutters, features an innovative design that undoubtedly provides additional benefits for customers. The family includes double-toothed right-hand cutters with two rectangular-shaped indexable carbide inserts. Each insert possesses a total of 4 cutting edges, and the Quick-D-Mill design enables the insert to be used for both central and peripheral cutting.

The Z-PRO VU series of taps from Japanese company Yamawa is especially designed for use with water-soluble cutting fluid and represents the optimum solution for tapping on high performance machining centres. Recently, the company has broadened the range of the VU series with new products and sizes.

“The Safe-Lock system has proven itself both in the market as well as in our internal trials. Consequently, we have decided to rely on the leading system for pull-out protection and are able to equip our latest Garant end-mills with Safe-Lock in the future," explains Gregor Weber, senior vice president cutting tools product management at Hoffmann Group.

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The Z-PRO VU series of taps from Japanese company Yamawa is especially designed for use with water-soluble cutting fluid and represents the optimum solution for tapping on high performance machining centres. Recently, the company has broadened the range of the VU series with new products and sizes.

Hoffmann will distribute selected product lines such as the 'Haimer Mill' as a manufacturer’s brand and will count on Haimer’s Safe-λock pull-out protection and the modular milling head system Duo-λock. Recently, both companies signed a corresponding license agreement.

The cooperation between Hoffmann and Haimer does not only include the sales activities but also the brand, technology and license partnership of the HaimerSafe-Lock system for the Garant brand.

Andreas Haimer, MD and president of the Haimer Group, said: "Hoffmann has a very strong market coverage and distribution network. In addition, the many years of expertise in consulting on all aspects of metal cutting will be beneficial for the sale of our products, which require a high degree of technical consultation. We look forward that Hoffmann will be working with us as a manufacturer’s brand in the most important catalog part of cutting tools."

EuroBLECH, the world’s largest sheetmetal working technology exhibition will take place in Hannover from 22-25 October. At the event, Yamazaki Mazak will announce the European debut of the Optiplex 3015 Ez, its latest affordable laser processing machine. This cutting-edge technology offers high-quality laser processing capabilities at a cost-effect...