Reduce chatter with Union CEHS end mills from Rainford Precision

Rainford Precision is adding to its cutting tool portfolio with the arrival of the CEHS series of end mills. Developed specifically to reduce chatter and, subsequently, improve precision and surface finish, the new CEHS tungsten carbide four-flute end mills from Japanese cutting tool expert Union Tool can help machine shops struggling to hit the ‘sweet spot’ with their high-end machining applications.

Suitable for machining everything from carbon and alloy steels to pre-hardened steel, cast iron, copper, titanium and heat-resistant alloys, the CEHS series incorporates a 40-degree helix and a variable pitch design for both slot and standard milling. Union Tool’s new large-pocket design of the main flute enhances swarf evacuation and eliminates the re-cutting of chips, extending tool life, machining performance and efficiency.

The Union Tool CEHS series has a h4 shank diameter tolerance of +0/-0.004 mm, emphasising the precision and balance of the range. A small relief surface further promotes milling stability and prevents chatter, even when undertaking operations with long tool overhang.

According to Rainford Precision, high-quality micro-grain carbide, UT coating technology and a 16-degree tapered shank design enable the 6 mm diameter CEHS tool to machine slots in unstable conditions with an 80% increase in milling efficiency compared to conventional tools. Potential machining parameters include  speeds of 5,000 rpm, feeds of 900 mm/min, feed per tooth up to 0.045 mm and depth of cut up to 6 mm.

CEHS end mills are available in diameters from 1 to 6 mm in 0.5 mm increments, with additional diameters from 6 to 12 mm offered in 1 mm increments. Each diameter designation has three different lengths of cut from 1.5xD to 3xD to ensure manufacturers can optimise their performance when machining in unstable conditions or accessing parts with difficult-to-reach surfaces. Depending upon the diameter selected, the CEHS is available with a shank diameter from 4 to 12 mm, in overall length from 50 to 100 mm.

To emphasise the stability and performance of the CEHS series, Union Tool has undertaken extensive tests on carbon steel, alloy steel and stainless steel, recording both side milling and slotting data. The results are available from Rainford Precision.