Shoulder milling cutters have often been the workhorse of milling, especially when difficult to machine material is being cut. Now, with the introduction of the MaxiMill 211 series, Ceratizit has taken this classic cutter design and moved the square shoulder mill to the next level of high productivity. A key element of MaxiMill success is the versatility of the range, being able to machine slots, peripheral or face milling, trachoidal groove milling or shoulder millling.

Whatever the application, an appropriate tool is available.

The patented insert design is available in Ceratizit's Hypercoat grades of carbide, with a choice of CVD or PVD coatings to deliver optimum performance in the widest range of materials, including steel, cast iron, stainless steel or even heat resistant steels.

Assisting in this productivity drive are the individual chipbreakers, each designed for a specific material group.

These new inserts are designed to provide definite advantages over the commonly used APKT style inserts Ceratizit has also invested heavily in the cutter body design of the MaxiMill 211 range.

Most noticeable is the nickel coating that is a feature on all cutter bodies.

As well as being aesthetically pleasing, this coating plays an important role in extending the tool life of the cutter body.

In regard to insert security Ceratizit has decided to employ the Torx Plus system of insert retention screws.

As well as contributing to insert positional accuracy, Torx Plus is much more robust than the standard Torx screw.

This ensures longer life and a more secure clamping action.

Continuing this theme the insert seat has been designed to deliver much greater insert security and chip evacuation.

The resulting combination of insert design and location has resulted in a cutting action that closely reflects that of a solid carbide cutter, delivering an extremely smooth and quiet cutting action even under arduous cutting conditions.

One other development that has also played its part in allowing MaxiMill to reduce noise and vibration under cut is the introduction of a 'notch' on the insert's end face.

This notch is extremely advantageous when ramping or plunging as it ensures that the cutter cannot be deflected from its position.

This is of great value to users of machines with smaller/lighter spindles.

'In developing MaxiMill 211 we have invested heavily in the design of insert and cutter body, ' says Conan Jackson, Ceratizit's UK Sales Manager.