With the indexable insert fir tree cutter, Walter AG has placed a unique tool on the market. The special milling cutter for semi-finishing and finishing fir-tree grooves combines the economic advantages of indexable inserts with the productivity of a multi-stage milling tool.

And it does so with excellent precision (finishing profile tolerance ±10 μm). The high-precision indexable insert seat is crucial. The internal coolant guarantees reliable removal of chips and an improved surface quality on the workpiece. The specialist for machining turbine blade root on gas and steam turbines – as well as their counterpart in the turbine shaft – is used primarily for steel and stainless steel and in titanium and nickel-based alloys.

The indexable insert fir tree cutter reduces the machining time compared to solid carbide cutters; it is also no longer necessary to regrind the cutting edges. Since replacements for worn tools do not have to be kept in stock, the number of tools in circulation is also smaller. With the aid of a new indexable insert cutting tool material, Walter has increased the tool life of the milling cutter by another 20–30%: Due to the highly wear-resistant HIPIMS coating, the milling cutter achieved a tool life of up to 40 metres per cutting edge in alloyed steel during testing. Walter offers the special milling cutter for various profile shapes for HSK and all common adaptors from approximately 10 mm (smallest diameter).