MSC unveils new cutting brand: Designed by engineers for engineers

MSC Industrial Supply Co UK (MSC) is introducing MSC Edge, a new brand of cutting tools designed by MSC engineers, for engineers. 

As a UK supplier of metalworking, safety and MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) products, MSC and its team of time-served engineers recognised an increasing demand within SME engineering firms for durable, quality cutting tools at an affordable price from a trusted source. The brand ambition for MSC Edge is to offer a range of multi-purpose cutting tools that can do 80% of machining operations, with 20% of the tools, across a wide range of materials. This advance will simplify and rationalise tooling processes, saving users both time and money.

Gareth Evans, Director of Engineering and Business Innovation at MSC, says: “With many of our precision engineering customers diversifying into new sectors and shifting towards more project-based work, we saw the need for durable, multi-purpose tooling that performs as they need it to, at the right price. We understand that having specific tools per application or material can be costly and time-consuming. However, a great machinist will make do with the tools in their carousel and tweak the cutting data to the material.

“With the introduction of MSC Edge, our brand promise is to help you rationalise your tooling, across multiple materials, with the tools and sizes commonly needed, ultimately saving you time and money. Nevertheless, whenever a specific tool is needed for that perfect application, there are over 500 brands available at MSC to ensure you get the right tool for the job.”

Each tool in the MSC Edge range has undergone rigorous testing at the  MSC Technology Centre in Wednesbury using the company’s Hurco machining centre programmed with Autodesk Fusion 360, as well as with its SME manufacturing customers on real-world applications.

The in-house testing facilities also allowed MSC to maintain control over specifications, ensuring consistent and accurate results. By replicating customer environments and applications, the testing aligned with common cutting strategies, including drilling, profiling, full-width slotting and helical milling. Engineers analysed wear patterns under a microscope during trials, across various materials and tool paths. This approach ensures that each tool not only exceeds performance standards but also remains competitively priced.

The first phase of MSC Edge is now available for order, focusing on solid-carbide holemaking and milling. A second phase of cutting tools is expected to launch in late 2025.

“MSC Edge represents the collective expertise and metalworking knowledge within MSC,” concludes Gareth Evans. “The tools are designed specifically for engineering customers, enabling them to work smarter, not harder. With MSC Edge, they can enhance their efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.”