Kennametal introduced an expanded selection of high-performance tools for holemaking operations, emphasizing that its modular drills, asymmetric drills, flat-bottom drills, and solid-carbide taps are proof of its “different thinking” about the complex considerations at work for machining operations. By creating a collection of standard-option, application-specific platforms for any diameter, feed rate, or hole quality, Kennametal noted, its portfolio offers a variety of solutions for virtually any machining requirement.
The new additions to Kennametal’s holemaking product line include:
The GOdrill™ is Kennametal’s first microdrill that works with multiple applications and multiple materials. It claims the GOdrill “goes beyond solid-carbide drilling and expands the advantages of modular drilling.” Modular drilling is limited to certain diameter ranges, but GOdrill is applicable for hole diameters starting at 1 mm (0.0394 in.).
The YPC Beyond™ drill is a solid-carbide series specifically engineered to improve hole quality and achieve long tool life in operations machining cast iron, ductile iron, CGI, and ADI. The YPC Beyond drill combines several proprietary Kennametal technologies for high-performance drilling. Y-TECH™ technology incorporates asymmetrical flute spacing, while the HP-point geometry provides excellent centering capabilities at the highest possible feed rates, and the new KCK10™ grade offers exceptional wear resistance with superior chip evacuation.
The KSEM modular drill system offers extended lengths and drill diameters up to 40 mm (1.575 in.), and achieves hole depths of up to 10x D are standard. The KSEM Plus™ modular drill system combines these benefits with the advantages of an indexable drill. It effectively replaces HSS and indexable drilling tool solutions in the diameter range of 28-70 mm (1.102-2.756 in.) while lending itself to specific applications required by customers in the energy market. For large-diameter drilling applications, the KSEM Plus has an extended range that significantly reduces cost per hole, according to the developer. The enhanced capabilities of KSEM Plus B1 Heads are capable of drilling through stacked materials and inclined exits, as well as drilling through cross-holes and interrupted-cut conditions.
Fine-boring tools, market-specific taps
The Romicron™ fine-boring, PCD tooling portfolio features a diameter range of 4 to 213 mm, reduces setup times and scrap rates, and increases overall equipment efficiency. This fine-boring system is suited for most materials commonly found in metalcutting operations, applying the latest Kennametal Standard ISO turning inserts. Its closed-loop boring (CLB) makes it possible to automate the insert wear compensation with minimal investment due to the 2-μm diameter adjustment per increment. The Romicron tooling is recommended for applications where very close tolerances are critical to the overall process, or where fast and easy diameter adjustments are needed.
The ModBORE™ fine-boring system uses standard ISO and ANSI turning inserts to maximize performance and flexibility. From flexible roughing and fine-boring heads to large bridge tooling, the developer noted this boring line addresses diameters ranging from 9.75 to 2,205 mm — all in one system. The ModBORE tools can be used for most metalcutting materials, with versatile cartridges that can be incorporated into standard boring heads for added flexibility.
The expanded portfolio of Kennametal taps includes Beyond™ solid-carbide taps, HSS-E-PM taps, wind energy taps, and general purpose taps. The solid-carbide taps offer higher productivity and outstanding performance in a wider range of materials than formerly possible, according to Kennametal, and the high-performance high-speed steel (HSS-E-PM) taps, manufactured from powder metal high-speed steel and engineered for greater wear and heat resistance, are critical for reliable, high-performance machining.
The new high-performance, large-sized HSS-E-PM wind taps, developed for manufacturers of wind turbine components like hubs, rings, and gearbox housings, increase productivity and help to meet the complex demands for such components.
A selection of general purpose taps offer thread-cutting and thread-forming solutions for any industrial application. The new T920 series spiral-point taps have an optimized flute design for lower tapping torque with an improved neck design that makes coolant flow more efficient. The next generation, the KHSST forming taps, eliminate chips that clog and break taps with plug and bottoming chamfers.
Indexable drilling platforms
Kennametal’s indexable drilling platforms are highlighted by two series: the Drill Fix™ series for short holes and the HTS series for deep holes. The Drill Fix indexable drills are described as the optimal choice for drilling short holes, providing a high-speed, cost-effective solution:
The Drill Fix DFR™ line offers maximum feed rates at a diameter range of 12.5-24 mm at 2-4x D applications. Its rectangular-shaped inboard and outboard inserts enable soft starting cuts and short chips, as well as higher feed rates.
The Drill Fix DFS™ line combines an economical, squared insert with the centering capabilities of the trigon inboard insert. It increases metal-removal rates and high surface quality, and improves hole straightness.
The Drill Fix DFT™ line, available in diameters from 24 to 82 mm, are versatile and reliable tools, with a large selection of lengths, insert geometries, and grades.
Kennametal’s HTS series indexable drills are designed for deep-hole drilling of up to 10x D, ideal for steel, stainless steel, ductile iron, cast iron, and non-ferrous materials. The three HTS systems, HTS-C, HTS, and HTS-R, cover a diameter range of 20-270mm:
The HTS-C indexable drills benefit from the flute helix design that provides excellent chip evacuation and extends the life of the tool body. When used at reduced feeds and cutting speeds, it also can be applied on older or low-power machines.
HTS drill heads are equipped with pilot drills and cartridges using trigon-shaped Drill Fix DFT inserts. Kennametal claims it is one of the most reliable deep-hole drilling systems available.
With the HTS-R, up to 30% higher feed rates are achievable using rectangular-shaped Drill Fix DFR inserts — which deliver the added benefit of chip control. The same insert size can be used in each insert cartridge.
