Micro cutters for complex micro components made from aluminium
AluLine – Micro: with DLC coating and minimal tolerances
Minimising workpiece sizes isn't just a fun challenge: from the medtech sector, to the latest smartphones, through to elegant watch cases, the mantra is the same: the smaller, the better. This means the tools used to make these components are going miniature as well. That's why we revamped the micro cutters in our AluLine – Micro range and adapted them to meet current industry demands – featuring a shrinkable 4-millimetre shank, tailored cutting diameters from 0.2 to 3.0 mm and 3xD to 12xD, as well as an extremely thin DLC coating.
Extensive range of micro tools for machining aluminium
We offer a range of tool variants for AluLine – Micro:
- Radius and torus cutters, plus end mills with corner chamfer
- Various shank versions and geometries
- Different diameter ranges from 0.2 mm to 3.0 mm
- Overhang lengths from 3xD to 12xD
With this product range, fabricators can be confident they have the right tool for most micro-cutting jobs involving aluminium alloys, copper and other non-ferrous metals.
1. Corner chamfer
2. Torus
3. Full radius
Advantages/benefits of the micro cutters in the AluLine series
- Next-gen geometry
- Polish grinding for uniform cutting edges and optimal chip removal
- Wear-resistant, thin and ultra-smooth DLC coating
- Extensive, integrated range up to overhang lengths of 12xD
- Also suitable for shrinking with shank diameter of 4 mm
- Smallest tolerances, for maximum contour quality on the component (3 µm at diameter of 0.2 mm)
- Outstanding price/performance ratio
Small-scale aluminium machining
Wouldn't it be great if an end-to-end tool concept for large diameters could be quickly scaled down for miniature machining? It just doesn't work though. Manufacturing milling cutters with diameters down to 0.2 mm requires enormous know-how and – crucially – an adapted substrate ensuring the requisite tool stability. That's why we use an ultra-fine grained substrate that works particularly well with abrasive aluminium alloys.
As part sizes diminish, tolerances play an increasingly key role. But users of the new AluLine – Micro milling cutters with 3 µm at a diameter of 0.2 mm have some room to manoeuvre when working on high-precision jobs. The 4-mm tool shank, which is now also compatible with heat shrink adapters, also contributes to precision results by ensuring optimum concentricity and the highest contour quality for components.
Sharp cutting edges with ultra-thin DLC coating
For many professionals, machining aluminium inevitably means sticky chips and built-up edge formations – already an issue in macro machining and still worse with micro milling. For precisely this reason, AluLine – Micro milling cutters have been outfitted with a special polish grinding that enables more uniform cutting edges and significantly improves chip flow. In addition, we've given the micro milling cutters an ultra-smooth DLC (diamond like carbon) coating. Together with the special geometry of the tools, sticky aluminium chips are now easily removed from the machining zone.
DLC coatings are extremely advantageous as they can be applied as particularly thin coats so that they do not impair the delicate geometries and sharp cutting edges. And the fact that they are extremely smooth means aluminium chips are removed quickly. Another added plus for DLCs is that they give AluLine – Micro milling cutters a considerable boost in performance and tool life – two essential factors for stable and economical processes.
Is micro machining abrasive aluminium alloys your thing?
Then you should check out our new AluLine – Micro milling cutters! Why not get in touch and speak with one of our experts today?
