Mitsubishi Materials expands chip-breaker end-mill series

Mitsubishi Materials has expanded its VQCS chip-breaker series of carbide end mills to include an extra-long type in square and corner radius styles. The extra-long version, introduced together with long and semi-long flute length types, are available in square and corner radii geometry. Mitsubishi’s existing series of the square corner long type sees a boost with the addition of larger 16 and 20 mm diameter sizes.

The additions provide a more versatile choice for end users. Notably, the extra-long types have a cutting edge length of 30 mm for the 6 mm diameter end mill, 40 mm for the 8 mm diameter cutter, through to 50 mm for the 10 mm diameter end mill.

Mitsubishi’s entire VQ chip-breaker series, designed for special roughing applications on heat-resistant super alloys, can also perform effectively on hardened stainless steels, as well as copper, copper alloys, and carbon and alloy steels.

Among major features of the new end mills are special flutes with notches that provide an effective chip-breaking function. The five flutes deployed on each diameter also display a rigid cross-sectional geometry to support chip evacuation, making VQCS series end mills suitable for trochoidal machining. Furthermore, the irregular pitch of the flutes and micro-clearance angle of the peripheral cutting edge deliver vibration-damping properties for stability and reliability. Another feature of note is the novel end cutting edge geometry for high chipping resistance.

Much of the reliability and performance of the VQ series is attributable to the newly developed (Al,Cr)N group-based coating, which delivers improved wear resistance over conventional coatings. The coating’s heat and oxidation resistance, as well as its lower coefficient of friction, means this next generation of end mills can maximise performance and help prevent tool wear, even under harsh cutting conditions such as when machining stainless steels and difficult-to-cut materials.