Challenge: Improve chip control and eliminate access problems in parting and grooving operations.

Solution: Team up with a reliable partner for optimal tool and advanced application knowledge.

Gas turbine manufacturing is a typical turning application involving complex parting and grooving operations and challenging materials such as stainless steel and heat-resistant super alloys (HRSA). The main problems in such applications include difficult access and poor chip control.

Conventional methods for improving chip formation – for example, stopping the feed motion at regular intervals – result in poorer productivity. However, the new CoroTurn HP (high pressure) tools from Sandvik Coromant provide an efficient and productive solution that will elevate chip control to a new level.

An accurate jet of pressurized coolant is directed at the cutting edge, forming a hydraulic wedge that cools down the insert, lifts up the chips and evacuates them effectively. The pinpoint accuracy and high pressure – up to 80 bar – significantly improves chip control, a major benefit in internal parting and grooving operations performed in confined spaces, as in the manufacture of gas turbines.

CoroTurn HP (high pressure) tools provide pinpoint accuracy under high pressure.

CoroTurn HP tools allow up to 20 percent higher cutting speeds and as much as 50 percent longer tool life. The solution also prevents jamming of chips and thus facilitates the use of automatic workpiece and tool-change systems.

The CoroTurn SL70 blade and adaptor system combines the HP coolant supply with tools designed to tackle the other major problem in parting and grooving operations: accessibility. The traditional solution to accessibility issues in aero-engine applications is a specialized or modified tool, often provided by small grinding companies.

The CoroCut inserts are esigned for T-slot grooving, back-cutting and undercuting operations.

The CoroTurn SL70 system from Sandvik Coromant in essence offers standard tools with dedicated clearances. The good accessibility is based on the oval shape of the CoroTurn SL70 coupling and also on the broad range of straight and angled shank styles and long and short cutting blades.

Sandvik Coromant also offers a standard program of straight and angled CoroCut inserts, both in square and full radius shapes. These inserts are designed for T-slot grooving, back-cutting and undercutting operations requiring excellent accessibility. They all fit in standard CoroCut holders – no need for specialized tools.

In combination with advanced application knowledge, the CoroTurn HP coolant system, CoroTurn SL 70 blades and adaptors and new CoroCut inserts make up a complete solution package for the productive parting and grooving of complex shapes in challenging materials.

Originally published in Metalworking World 3.2009, a business magazine published by Sandvik Coromant.