New "Variable Pitch" SC Endmills for Aluminum from Helical Solutions

[tiehen]

GORHAM, ME – Helical Solutions is introducing the H40ALV and H40ALV-RN, representing a major expansion of its aluminum end mill series. The new end mills are robust additions to the Helical lineup and include intricate geometry additions for an “ultimate” non-ferrous machining solution.

This new H40ALV line includes a variable-pitch flute configuration and cutting-diameter tolerances that are among the tightest in the industry (-.0001 to -.0004). This precision delivers reduced chatter, fewer tool offset adjustments and optimum tool performance.

Customers testing H40ALV prototypes report improved finishes and quieter operation.

“This new launch will be one of the most powerful tool offerings on the market, giving our customers a tool with all the options and the latest in tool design technologies at a very competitive price.,” says Scott Tiehen, Helical’s national sales manager.

Previously offered as a premium customization, the line now includes a full corner radius option ranging from .015-.250 as standard product. The corner radii allows customers to accommodate finish part requirements, offers improved part finish and superior corner protection. Additionally, tool life expectancy for the H40ALV line should show a significant increase.

Also contributing to improved finishes are the H40ALV’s wiper flats. Helical’s wiper design burnishes the part floor without creating too much tool pressure/friction.

Responding to customer requests for a more “opened up end geometry” due to the industry trend toward ramping and plunging in aluminum, the new H40ALV line includes new end geometry. “We have re-designed the geometry in order to accommodate all three teeth cutting the center, allowing for maximum chip clearance and evacuation while plunging and ramping,” Tiehen says.

The updated line of end mills is crafted of certified premium sub-micron grain carbide and available in stub, regular and reduced-neck lengths. A ZrN (Zirconium Nitride) coating that provides improved lubricity for maximum chip evacuation and resistance to abrasion for extended tool life is standard.

The H40ALV-RN is similar in design and function to the H40ALV. The difference is that this tool has a reduced neck diameter with a relatively short
flute length, allowing for longer reach into deep pockets while maintaining maximum tool rigidity, particularly useful for high-speed milling in pockets.

Both the H40ALV and the H40ALV-RN are available in shank diameters ranging from 1/4 inch to 1 inch. Special configurations can be manufactured within 10 days.

Helical recommends using high-pressure coolant, flood, mist or MQL when machining with these tools. Complete specifications and cutting parameters can be found at www.1helical.com on the downloadable flyer for this new product, or by calling Helical’s service department (866-543-5422)

Helical Solutions supplies high-quality, high-performance cutting tools for aerospace, energy, medical and other industries and applications. Founded in 2001, Helical specializes in tools for hard-to-cut materials like inconel, stainless and titanium and in tools customized for particular customer applications. Among the tools Helical offers are coolant-thru tools, form tools, chamfer end mills, corner-rounding end mills, double-angle cutters, dovetail cutters, lollipop cutters, radius end mills and taper end mills. Helical is headquartered in Gorham, ME.

[JP Hardinge]

I'm looking for an endmill to do a 1/4"x1/4" one pass notch groove on 6061 T6.

The bits I've been using have defected or given me incosistant measurements. Even with 3/4" diameter bits.

Should I be looking at these and what do they cost?

[tiehen]

Yes,
these tools do a great job slotting in 6061. I am not sure what machine or RPM's you have but this tool can run up to 2500 sfm (for 1/4" that's a lot of rpm's). If you don't have this type of speed give it all you got and keep the .003 clpt @ 1/4" deep. I am not sure your groove needs a corner radius requirement at the bottom or not. These tools come with a sharp corner and many sizes of corner radii if you need them - fyi, a corner radii helps hold up the corner a bit better. I have attached a copy of the flyer for your use. All the sizes and corner radii are called out on the back side of this attachment. Email me & let me know the area you are located and I can refer you to one of our distributors to purchase some. Since I dont know what exact comniation you need exact cost is hard to give you. But an example would be 1/4" cut dia. x 1/4" shank dia. x 3/8" length of cut x 2" overall length w/ .015 corner radius is $22.97 ea.

Thanks,
Scott
scott@1helical.com