Die and mold is a specialized industry which requires standard and special tools - primarily milling cutters - to support the production of small batch quantities for specific applications.
In recent years, we have expanded our assortment of indexable and solid round tools to support a variety of die and mold applications.
This diverse industry features a wide array of molding components, often featuring materials in a condition that makes them difficult-to-machine, with a requirement for tools capable of supporting high feeds, as well as large material removal rates.
Common components include plastic injection molds, forging dies, die casting and micro molds, with each requiring application specific tooling. This range of applications covers heavy roughing through to fine-finishing.
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We work with a wide range of die and mold manufacturers, from companies making small components, such as molds for bottles and mobile phone cases, up to large forgings. Workpieces are often made from difficult-to-machine materials, such as pre-hardened steel, hardened tool steel and stainless steel.
With the many different workpiece materials and sizes, involving several machining operations, having the right cutting tools is paramount. Our program of tools includes copy milling, face milling, shoulder milling and high feed milling cutters.
Also, due to this varied nature of the industry, end users require a good level of technical support and advice to acquire the right high-quality tooling. To help our customers build knowledge and expertise, we have developed a dedicated team for the die and mold segment.
As part of our expansion into the die and mold segment, we have built a comprehensive high feed milling assortment with several recent introductions. The SBN10 cutters, for example, are suitable for a variety of milling operations, with its unique pocket design, from roughing to finishing. A range of diameters are available from 16 - 42mm, with multiple design options.
This cutter is supported by a range of BNGX10 inserts, for depths of cut up to 1mm. The patented double-sided insert with four cutting edges provides a highly cost-effective and versatile option.
In addition, the new double-sided SNGX11 insert supports high feed milling up to 1.7mm depths of cut. Added in November 2019, the assortment's strong main cutting edge ensures high levels of durability and process security – especially when machining corners inside a pocket. With eight cutting edges, the square-shaped SNGX11 also represents an extremely economical solution.
Another key operation in die and mold applications is copy milling. Our family of indexable milling tools includes the SCN05C cutters and SWN04C for semi-finishing and finishing of steels, hardened steels and cast irons.
The small tooth pitch increases the number of teeth, which allows 20% increase in productivity compared to standard pitch cutters. Another element is the reduction of vibrations at large overhangs, up to 8xD. Offering decreased levels of vibration, it has been optimized for smooth cutting of corners and pockets, which is achieved by the specific wiper geometry of the insert.
Also, the SRC10 small diameter cutters are available in diameters from 25 - 66mm and in a variety of styles. All incorporate through coolant, a high number of teeth and feature a pocket design which gives maximum support to inserts with eight facets.
Our indexable ball nose cutters (including ZP, XP, SRC and PPH), provide another choice when roughing to semi-finishing a pocket. The Multiside XP range, for example, is a high-performance profiling solution, featuring the patented SideLok™ clamping system for a high level of stability, especially in five-axis machining of complex surfaces.
