Seco Tools has launched Secomax™ CS300 ceramic inserts and RN/RP insert-holding milling cutter bodies. The product is designed to increase productivity in milling and turning operations involving heavy interrupted machining of nickel-based heat-resistant superalloys (HRSA).

Increasing productivity by up to eight times compared with milling using standard carbide inserts, the new cutters are ideal for the production of a wide range of components in the aerospace and power generation segments.

CS300 inserts are SiAlON-type ceramics offering high wear resistance, toughness and thermal shock resistance. The inserts also provide optimum flank wear at high cutting speeds of between 600 and 1,200 metres per minute and feeds of 0.05–0.15 mm per tooth. Together, these features lower machining costs per workpiece, increase output, shorten processing times and reduce energy consumption.

The new cutter bodies are hardened and nickel-plated for high reliability, reduced chip friction and greater resistance to high temperatures. The clamping parts hold the inserts more securely and feature internal air-cooling channels that guarantee optimum chip evacuation and heat control. The metric range includes RP 1204 insert-holding cutter bodies with diameters from 32 to 50 mm for face milling and pocketing. RN 1207 and RN 1204 insert-holding cutters for face milling are available in diameters from 32 to 125 mm. Inch-based products are available in diameters of 2.0 in, 2.5 in and 3.0 in.