PRESS RELEASE

TIME-SAVING STELLRAM® HIGH FEED CUTTER

BOOSTS TITANIUM MACHINING

 

A top European aerospace component maker has transformed its titanium machining capabilities with a high feed milling cutter developed by ATI Stellram, the specialists in metal cutting solutions.

 

V.La Gatta, based in Naples, Italy, has not only significantly improved productivity, but also achieved faster metal removal rates using Stellram® 7792VX tool and 12mm X500 grade insert for facing cargo door components for an international aircraft manufacturer.

 

The family-run business, established for almost 60 years, says the Stellram cutting tool has helped deliver a 30% improvement in machining times and boosted chip removal rates to an average of 20Kg an hour.

 

In machining the latch backup fitting used for the assembly of the cargo door surround, the cutting speed is maintained at 50m/min using a spindle speed of 315 revs/min and a feed rate of 1,010mm/min.

 

Time-saving Stellram® high feed cutter boosts titanium machining

 

“Very good results have been achieved so far but the Stellram high feed cutter has only been used at 75% of its potential to date. I’m confident there are even more improvements to come when it is used at its full operating capacity,” explained director Chiara La Gatta.

 

The company sought advice from ATI Stellram because of its experience in developing high-performance solutions for difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium, she added.

 

“Our good relationship with ATI Stellram has helped to overcome some of the challenges presented by titanium. We are keen to continue our collaboration to address other issues associated with finishing and semi-finishing of machined components, such as heat dissipation, and experiment further with different cutting tool designs and inserts,” said Mrs La Gatta.

 

Stellram® 7792VX milling cutter and X500 insert have a maximum depth of cut of 2.5mm and four cutting edges respectively. They are specially designed to operate at high feed rates and deliver better stability and reduce spindle wear as the cutting forces are directed axially into the spindle.

 

The 7792VX range comprises cutting tools available as either shell mills or Weldon shanks in a selection of diameters from 6mm-12mm. As well as facing, they are also suitable for plunging, pocketing and slotting applications.

 

More details on Stellram® 7792VX tools and inserts can be obtained from Elena Gandiglio on 00 41 22 354 9711 or email egandiglio@stellram.com.  Alternatively, visit the ATI Stellram website at www.atistellram.com.

 

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Note to editors:

ATI Stellram is one of several business units of ATI Engineered Products of the ATI group of companies. ATI is a leading producer of speciality metals including titanium and titanium alloys, nickel-based alloys and superalloys, and stainless steel and speciality alloys. ATI Stellram has manufacturing facilities in the United States, United Kingdom and Switzerland, with 9 sales offices around the world and a product distribution network covering 40 countries.