Breakthrough Machining of Hi-Temp Alloys

IMCO Carbide Tool Inc. (Perrysburg, OH) has launched its high-performance end mill designed specifically to overcome the challenges of machining in hi-temp alloys. “Them INCONEX line is a real breakthrough in productivity for machining in Inconel, Hastalloy, Waspalloy and similar hi-temp alloys,” said Perry Osburn, the IMCO president.

Tested in-house against an array of competitor’s end mills and the company’s own Omega-6 design, INCONEX end mills lasted up to three times longer than competitors’ designs and twice as long as the Omega-6 tools.

“Today’s hi-temp alloys were engineered to hold up under some of the worst conditions on the planet,” said Matt Osburn, the IMCO vice president of operations. “When machining, those same high-strength properties become barriers to productivity. They can chew through conventional cutting tools in no time. INCONEX M8 Series tools are designed with high-strength properties and a special chip creation design to break through those barriers and keep on going.”

These tools feature a carbide core with 20 percent higher transverse rupture strength and six flutes with optimized rake and relief angles for maximum cutting edge engagement. Advanced AlCrNX coating protects the tool’s specially engineered cutting edges from the intense heat generated in the cutting zone.

“Then we developed a new chip creation design,” explained Steve Avers, the application support team leader. “Each cutting edge is specially shaped to reduce edge wearing stress in the cutting zone. An added benefit of the new design is much smaller chips that can be easily flushed from the work zone.”

“With increased demand for hi-temp alloys in the aerospace and energy industries, these tools will fill a real need for longer tool life,” said IMCO sales manager Tim Elfreich. “It’s a big step ahead.” Features on the INCONEX M8 include:

• All tools made with corner radius – Prevents chipping in crazy-strong metals.
• Specially designed cutting edges – Reduces edge damaging stresses in the cutting zone for longer tool life.
• Tough carbide core – Higher transverse rupture strength for longer tool life.
• Six high-strength flutes – Higher cutting-edge engagement and more cutting edges for longer tool life.
• Optimized rake and relief angles – Premium eccentric grind and edge treatment for prolonged wear.
• Advanced AlCrNX coating – Keeps tool lubricated and cutting longer in
  hi-temp alloys.
• Neck relief option – Improves stability; minimizes flute length, maximizes reach.

Testing
1/4 in tool in Inconel 718 at competitor-suggested speed/feed rates.

Results
= Up to 3X the tool life of competitors’ tools
= More than 2X the tool life of the high-performance 6-flute Omega-6

An 88-page catalog of the company’s full line of productivity-driven end mills, including the INCONEX M8 line, is available on the company website. Since 1977 IMCO Carbide Tool has focused on one goal: to provide manufacturers in a variety of industries with quality products that will 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, IMCO 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.