"Kennametal's KNS slotting platform provides a cost-effective but highly productive solution across a wide range of applications," said the spokesperson.
Besides inserts for deep slots with flat bottom and radiused bottom. For shallows slots, KNS offers a cost-effective solution with double ended inserts (two cutting edges).
The KNS features a simple but secure double-V to accurately locate inserts. "There is no chance of movement as there is with other kinds of slotting and grooving cutters. Tool life improves, as does part quality," said the spokesperson.
Inserts coming loose during a slotting operation, inconsistent slot widths, fumbling with awkward screws and inserts on a slotting cutter or having to use a piece of shim stock to pry wedged chips from deep inside a slotted workpiece are just a few of the problems machinists face when trying to cut narrow slots and grooves. "With Kennametal's Narrow Slotting (KNS) cutter, the days of 'slotting dread' are over," said a company spokesperson.
Many Uses, One Solution
Slotting is a common machining practice. Scott Etling, Kennametal's Director of Global Product Management for indexable milling, lists many applications where the KNS excels. Automakers can use the new cutter to separate cast exhaust manifolds and steering components. Equipment manufacturers can cost-effectively mill the clamping slots on shaft supports and stock collars.
Power generation and electronics companies now have a more productive way to machine keyways, add heatsink grooves, yokes and O-ring grooves. "Simply put, if there is narrow slotting, grooving or parting to be done, KNS is the new go-to solution," said the spokesperson.
"This tool is a game changer in a number of situations," Etling said. "Customers can mount a series of KNS cutters on an arbor called gang milling to either machine multiple grooves at once or conduct multiple cutoff operations. This tool can also be used to remove 5-axis machined or 3-D-printed parts from their base material. And since raw material prices continue to increase, our customers wish to machine away as little material as possible. Here it is beneficial to use the narrowest slotting cutter possible to reduce waste. KNS does that."
The Right Stuff
The KNS has a double-V design for secure insert retention. A combination of radial and axial positioning is not only designed to improve tool life but part accuracy as well. The insert range accommodates slot widths from 1.6 mm to 6.4 mm (0.063" to 0.250"). Inserts are available in single- or double-ended cutting edges with either a flat or full radiused cutting edge. The cutter diameters range from 63 mm to 250 mm (2.5" to 10"), and depending on the body size, arbor or shell mounting (or both) is possible.
Etling said, "This new design is stronger and more accurate than competing solutions and reduces tooling costs as well. Customers can use both ends of a double-ended KNS insert on shallow slotting applications, then move to a single-ended insert when they need the additional depth."
Improvements in Grade Technology
Another benefit is the carbide. Tim Marshall, Senior Global Product Manager for indexable milling, noted that Kennametal has made significant improvements in grade technology recently, and that the KNS leverages these developments.
"With the KNS program we offer three insert grades. KCU25 and KCPM40 are multiphase PVD grades that provide excellent edge stability and wear characteristics in steels, stainless steels and high temperature alloys, even at elevated feeds and speeds. While KCPK30 is a CVD-coated grade suitable for rough milling and general machining of steels and cast iron."
Good carbide is important, but so too is the insert geometry. Due to a positive rake geometry and special edge preparation, the KNS inserts are free cutting without sacrificing the edge toughness needed in most slotting applications. What is more, the SGP geometry promotes increased chip flow, curling even the stringiest materials into tight, easily-evacuated C's and 9's. This means the user can put the shim stock and homemade chip hooks back in his or her toolbox.
Easy-X Assembly
The KNS is also easy to use. The innovative, symmetrical Easy-X wrench design means no more digging in the chip pan for lost screws and inserts, no more wedges or clamps to misplace-just pop the wrench into the cutter body, give it a twist and the insert is easily replaced, even in tight quarters. Each cutter body and wrench are also clearly marked, so there is no chance of damaging the cutter body by using the wrong tool.
The hub design eliminates the need for drive rings and washers, and contributes to the system's repeatability and accuracy. And because the hub has dual keyways, the cutters can be staggered in gang-milling scenarios, reducing cutting forces and generating a smooth cutting action.
"The KNS system's dual keyways provide staggered entry in gang milling situations, reducing cutting forces. And the integral hub is both more accurate and rigid than competing systems," added the spokesperson.
For more information contact:
Kennametal Inc.
1600 Technology Way
P.O. Box 231
Latrobe, PA 15650
724-539-5000
www.kennametal.com