Mitsubishi Materials Corporation has recently developed and manufactured WSTAR solid carbide drills for high efficiency machining of aluminium. These new drills will start to be sold by Mitsubishi Materials Tools Corporation (President: Osamu Takata, Headquarters: 1-6-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo).

The WSTAR drill for high efficiency machining of aluminium is the world's first 4 through coolant holed drill specially designed for high performance drilling of aluminium. Computerized flow simulation was used to determine the most effective positioning of the coolant holes. The central holes provide higher lubrication to the centre of a drill reducing welding. Additionally, the flute and cutting edge geometry is designed for high efficiency machining of aluminium based on the WSTAR drill with a sharp geometry. This results in 5~15% reductions in the thrust force, leading to a shortening of the time to drill aluminium. Furthermore, it is also possible to use the drill for MQL(1) machining.

Features of the WSTAR drill for high efficiency aluminium machining

1. The world's first 4 through coolant holed solid carbide drill is suitable for high efficiency machining of aluminium that is prone to welding.
2. By designing a special geometry for high efficiency drilling of aluminium based on the wavy cutting edge of the WSATR drill with an excellent balance of edge sharpness and strength, chip disposal is improved, offering excellent performance when machining malleable aluminium.

< Word explanation >

(1)MQL (Minimum Quantity Lubrication) machining:
Machining with a minimum amount of coolant. A small amount of coolant mixed with air (mist coolant) is sprayed through drill during machining. Depending on the amount of coolant sprayed, MQL machining is also called semi-dry machining (approximately 10cc/hr) or mist machining (approximately 10cc/min)

Additional standard items

Product name: MNS type for high efficiency machining of aluminium, 404 items
Release: December 3, 2007
Sales target: ¥50 million in the first year
Standard price: MNS0300LB: ¥12,700 (¥13,335 including tax)
MNS0300X30DB: ¥26,400 (¥27,720 including tax)
MNS1000LB: ¥22,800 (¥23,940 including tax)
MNS1000X30DB: ¥45,300 (¥47,565 including tax)