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13/07/2010 Aachen HPC conference: CERATIZIT participates with an R & D presentation Research director Dr. Schleinkofer states: “We have to take into account all process parameters and continue optimization”

CERATIZIT S. A., Mamer, Luxembourg (headquarters), July 2010.
From June 22^nd to June 23^rd 2010 the 3^rd Aachen High Performance Cutting (HPC) conference took place. Around 100 specialists and chief executives discussed the future of high-performance cutting, focussing on innovative production concepts and new approaches in the field of cost and time optimization in production.

In the framework of the conference, speakers from industry and research reported on their findings and experiences. Dr. Uwe Schleinkofer, R & D Cutting Tools Manager at carbide specialist CERATIZIT, presented innovative solutions for improved productivity and economy. In his presentation ‘Highly efficient machining through new tooling technologies and cutting material grades’ he showed that all cutting parameters have to be considered. Dr. Schleinkofer used four examples to show how the CERATIZIT research department has been able to further improve the HPC technology:

Optimization of the clamping mechanism
Cutting inserts which can be rapidly and easily replaced, in particular ceramic and c-BN cutting inserts, ensure reduced set-up times, for instance in the case of the CERATIZIT tooling solution C-Clamp. The C-Clamp is extremely robust, wear-resistant and tolerates high temperatures as well as cutting speeds up to 1,200 m/min.

Enhanced performance capacity of the tools
The HFC tooling solution ensures low cutting forces and good stability even with extremely high feed rates. HFC is suitable for both face milling and plunging. Another advantage is the good swarf control and chip evacuation which is especially important in plunge milling operations.

Development of new coatings
Thanks to the further development of the coatings, very demanding materials like titanium or super alloys can also be machined without problems. The new CVD-TiB2-coating from CERATIZIT is the second hardest coating after diamond available in the market.

Savings thanks to a holistic view of the process chain
For aluminium wheel machining CERATIZIT has developed the OvalFlex HubStar tooling solution. OvalFlex HubStar is a multi-function tool – with only one tool it is possible to carry out all the production steps in hub machining. In this way the machining time is reduced by 50%. The innovative solution consumes less coolant, thus making cooling lubrication more effective. The coolant is only applied where it is really necessary. In fact, as it is even possible to use compressed air as a coolant, transporting it directly through the tool, costly and bulky ‘periphery’ is no longer necessary. “The MAC solution uses cold air, which enables down to -15°C in the tool,” states research director Schleinkofer enthusiastically.

CERATIZIT customer WEISSER achieves savings up to 70% with OvalFlex
J. G. WEISSER Söhne GmbH & Co. KG in St. Georgen in the Black Forest swears by OvalFlex for its wheel machines. Sales manager Georg Maier in his presentation at the Aachen HPC conference described the multi-functional complete machining of aluminium wheels. In this context precision and efficiency are the most important factors. So OvalFlex considerably reduces the wheel machines‘ cycle time, allowing higher cutting parameters and handling advantages. Shorter flow time results, the saving is obvious. In the cost effectiveness study, WEISSER achieves a 70% saving compared to conventional production.

“From today’s point of view HPC is an extremely efficient way of achieving significant savings in the cutting tool sector,” explains Dr. Schleinkofer. “CERATIZIT makes its contribution through high-performance tools which guarantee high productivity and economy.” The innovative tooling solutions from CERATIZIT, together with a holistic view of the process chain, reduce the flow time, and increase efficiency while decreasing the cost pressure.

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.