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07/04/2010 Precise and rapid machining of turbine blades The new milling cutter MaxiMill 274: CERATIZIT's answer for turbine blade machining

Precise and rapid machining of turbine blades

The new milling cutter MaxiMill 274: CERATIZIT's answer for turbine blade machining

CERATIZIT S. A., Mamer, Luxembourg (headquarters), April 2010.

Turbines rank among the most impressive machines. Their mechanical performance can reach up to 1,600 Megawatt, which of course exposes the turbine blades to considerable stress. The operation temperature combined with aggressive media such as hot vapour are the critical aspects of the process. Turbine blades therefore require materials such as stainless chromium steels which are characterized by high resistance to such aggressive media.

These materials have always been and are still expensive and machining is a complex operation: even minimal surface flaws on the turbine blades reduce their performance, while increasing maintenance costs and shortening their service life. Due to the high material costs and the considerable amount of time necessary for this type of machining operation, manufacturers cannot afford reject parts. This is why process security is the critical factor when producing turbine blades.

As precision is extremely important for these processes, CERATIZIT has developed MaxiMill 274 particularly with process reliability and exact machining of turbine blade roots in mind. The inserts for MaxiMill 274 have 8 cutting edges which are particularly suitable for high-tensile materials. Minimum cutting forces ensure clean component surfaces and adherence to close tolerances.

“MaxiMill 274 provides the manufacturers with a tool for the specific challenges in the field of turbine blade machining. Close tolerances and clean surfaces even with difficult to machine materials no longer represent a problem,” says Markus Krabichler, product manager of the mechanical engineering & transport segment at CERATIZIT.

The new CERATIZIT milling cutter combines low power consumption with reduced cutting noise and minimum vibration. The insert’s clearance angle of 25° allows favourable positioning in the tool. Easy handling and good accessibility when using the torque tool ensure short set-up times. Coolant holes guarantee sufficient cooling and ensure maximum feed rates. MaxiMill 274 thus offers all necessary requisites for economic and precise machining of turbine blades.

The carbide specialist CERATIZIT is synonymous with “hard material matters”

CERATIZIT S.A. is a pioneer and global player in sophisticated hard material solutions. The company operates from Mamer, Luxembourg. CERATIZIT is the world market leader in unique and consistently innovative hard material products for wear protection and cutting tools and is present in more than 50 countries. In the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, oil industry, medical systems, electronics as well as mould and die making customers benefit from this fact. With more than 400 active patents and 4,000 employees, CERATIZIT is your high-powered partner worldwide.