News and press releases

06/06/2006

The machining of aluminium wheels (aluminium rims) is one of the specialties of CERATIZIT. At the METAV, CERATIZIT will introduce a totally new and patented tooling system in this area. Its unique and aesthetic oval form perfectly follows function.

Aluminium wheels are more popular than ever before. Today almost every automobile is provided with aluminium wheels, with a tendency to rise. The variety and design is continuously increasing. Requirements with regard to productivity, process security and flexibility for aluminium wheel producers are therefore also increasing. This is why CERATIZIT has developed OvalFlex tailored to the specific needs of the operators.

Higher stability and improved performance
"With OvalFlex we have succeeded in developing a high-perofrmance modular tooling system with maximum stability and relicability“, says Dr. Uwe Schleinkofer, head of the development department cutting tools at CERATIZIT. "The oval form of OvalFlex makes the tool's assembly height larger than in normal round tools. Therefore improved stability and performance are guaranteed for the entire tooling system.“ The new oval interface connects the tool shank with the tool head. Four tapered surfaces around the interface provide accurate connection with the location face in both radial and axial direction.

High flexibilty, reduced logistics
Furthermore the OvalFlex system offers the possibility to mount various tool heads on the shanks. "This ensures high flexibility. Special tools are no longer necessary in most cases“, according to Dr. Schleinkofer. "In addition OvalFlex increases tool life up to 100 per cent, reduces logistics through and insert seats and provides maximum stability and application security."

Exact positioning of the insert made easy
For Ovalflex CERATIZIT has developed new inserts. The X32 is larger than the common inserts and extremely stable. The exact position is no problem thanks to the 30° top faces, furthermore the insert balances lateral cutting forces better. The X32 is protected against drawing cuts in the best possible way through the tapered shape of the top surfaces. This innovative CERATIZIT product is available with radius 4 mm, 3 mm or 2 mm as carbide and PCD version (PCD = polycrystalline diamond). For PCD users the following will be particularly interesting: the PCD inserts are provided with a laser chip groove in order to optimise swarf control.

Numerous inserts can be used in the same tool
The advantages of the OvalFlex system make it difficult to underline one aspect in particular. Dr. Schleinkofer however points out another highlight: "All these inserts with different radii can be used in the same tool." Conclusion: the OvalFlex tooling system from CERATIZIT is the all-rounder that the aluminium wheel market has been waiting for eagerly for a long time.