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Ceramic Exchangeable Milling Heads Take the Heat in HRSA Machining

Cutting tool and tooling systems specialist Sandvik Coromant extends its series of ceramic exchangeable milling heads with the newest CoroMill® 316.

Posted: October 25, 2022

The Sandvik Coromant CoroMill® 316 in action, which offers higher productivity for milling nickel-based alloys.

Side view of a CoroMill 316 ceramic mill, cylindrical to EH adaptor and Corochuck 930 adaptor assembly

Tiziana Pro, Sandvik Coromant, exchangeable head system, milling heads, shoulder and face milling, CoroMill 316, nickel alloy, aerospace engines — The Sandvik Coromant CoroMill® 316 in action, which offers higher productivity for milling nickel-based alloys.

With aerospace components manufactured from nickel-based alloys becoming increasingly prevalent, the demand for optimized cutting tools is growing. With this in mind, Sandvik Coromant has developed two innovative solutions ideal for shoulder and face milling of nickel alloy aero-engine parts.

“The ceramic substrate of the latest CoroMill 316 allows for a different cutting process than traditional solid carbide tools,” explains Tiziana Pro, Global Offer Manager, Solid End Mills, at Sandvik Coromant. “Our unique S1KU grade is purpose-designed for the superior machining of nickel alloys and is supported by a negative geometry that offers a tough cutting edge.

“In fact, the six-flute geometry delivers highly productive side milling operations, while the four-flute geometry boosts face milling. The CoroMill 316 is a perfect tool for difficult-to-reach applications or if you are looking for extra flexibility, thanks to the exchangeable head system.”

Ceramic tools retain their hardness at the high temperatures associated with milling heat-resistant super alloys (HRSAs). As a result, 20 to 30 times the speed can be achieved compared to solid carbide tools, delivering considerable potential for increased productivity. With the new, bigger head diameter available from D16-25 mm, it will be possible to reach these high cutting speeds with conventional machining centers (n = 10000-18000 rpm).

Beyond shoulder and face milling, the new end mills can also be used for pocket milling, helical interpolation, ramping and slot milling. The CoroMill 316 is part of the Sandvik Coromant Optimized Solutions offering in the company’s solid round tools range.

Sandvik Coromant
Part of global industrial engineering group Sandvik, Sandvik Coromant is at the forefront of manufacturing tools, machining solutions and knowledge that drive industry standards and innovations demanded by the metalworking industry now and into the next industrial era. Educational support, extensive R&D investment and strong customer partnerships ensure the development of machining technologies that change, lead and drive the future of manufacturing. Sandvik Coromant owns over 1,700 patents worldwide, employs over 7,700 staff, and is represented in 150 countries.