Demand for custom design cutting tools
ATI Stellram is experiencing a large increase in demand for its custom design metal cutting tools from aircraft component makers in Europe.
The company’s busy design and manufacturing teams in Germany, Switzerland and the UK have seen orders for special tooling solutions soar in the last 12 months. One of the biggest growth areas has been the development of dedicated tools for machining nickel and titanium alloys.
Rob Mears, project engineering manager explains: ‘The company’s investment in a range of new automated machinery at its sites throughout Europe has paid dividends by boosting productivity, shortening lead times and maintaining high levels of on-time delivery. Further significant investment in CAD/CAM systems means the design and manufacturing team at each of our European facilities can easily and rapidly exchange information between sites as well as with our parent company, ATI Engineered Products, in the United States.’
John Palmer, ATI Stellram’s global aerospace manager comments: ‘The growth in use of difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium, together with the trend towards monolithic rather than multi-part components, mean more engineering challenges for cutting tool requirements. Orders for custom design tools from aerospace component makers have grown significantly over the past year. It’s a reflection of the vast expertise that ATI Stellram offers in this sector as well as its extensive capabilities for producing innovative solutions.’
ATI Stellram is also reporting strong demand for its high-performance range of standard aerospace endmills. Its Rapide G192 kit comprises 5 endmills from 4mm-12mm for machining aluminium and non-ferrous metals. The aerospace-approved, ultra-fine micrograin coated carbide grade endmills is said to generate very high metal removal rates. As well as a highly-defined cutting edge, which is particularly suitable for thin wall machining, the endmills benefit from ATI Stellram’s Hi-Hook geometry for rapid chip evacuation.
ATI Stellram’s parent company, ATI Engineered Products, will be exhibiting at the Farnborough International Air Show from July 14-20 in Hall 3, stand A8.
