Next generation SilverLine solid carbide milling cutters put on the test

Our solid carbid milling cutters from the next generation SilverLine were completely overhauled. But are these new tools really better than the old ones? With our client Heinz Knöpfle we put the new milling cutters on the test.

Heinz Knöpfle GmbH, situated in Schwabmünchen near Augsburg, was founded over 30 years ago. Knöpfle's customers include leading companies from challenging industries such as medical and weighing technology, mechanical engineering, aviation and many more.

Christian Knöpfle happily agreed, when we asked him to do the test with us, but points out that "as a big fan of the SilverLine tools, we have very high expectations."

The SilverLine was initially used in the challenging machining of a polygon shaft made from stainless steel, which Knöpfle produces in various sizes for a water management company. The tool used back then did not deliver the desired performance, and in benchmark tests, CERATIZIT impressed in every respect with the WNT SilverLine milling cutter. "These milling cutters left the competition in the dust when it came to performance data, service life, etc.," recalls Christian Knöpfle. "However, the SilverLine not only impressed on VA materials, but it is also suitable for any application – even simpler steels. We use the tool at extremely high cutting speeds and therefore achieve excellent chip evacuation, with a service life and level of process security that other milling cutters never reach. This is ideal for users like us, who are well-positioned on the market but only wish to use a small selection of tools despite this. The SilverLine has since been our clear favourite."

For the new SilverLine tools we use a new carbide material. Also the grinding images were optimised and geometries modified in the micro range. With regard to the coating, the new SilverLine now features the ‘Dragonskin’, a PVD coating that ensures an extremely long service life.

Heinz Knöpfle GmbH is the perfect field test partner for us, as few customers use the SilverLine in such a versatile manner as the Schwabmünchen-based CNC machining experts.  Knöpfle used the new generation of tools for six months on almost all 18 CNC machines.

The tangible difference: Twenty to forty percent higher cutting speeds depending on the material, whether stainless steel or steel, flame-cut, uncoated or scaled. At the same time, the service life increased by thirty to forty percent. "We noticed straight away that the new SilverLine tools are quieter, thus reducing the burden on the machine. The values obtained over the months then fully confirmed this. We have a new favourite tool," smiles the machining expert.