Cutting Tools

**This story originally appeared in the February 2026 edition of AMT Magazine** The high speed milling (HSM) of aluminium and its alloys requires cutting speeds at significantly higher than the standard rates. This approach ensures efficient material removal and excellent surface finish and accuracy. While there is no strict definition for what constitutes HSM speeds, it is generally accepted that they range from 1.5 to 4 times more than the typical speeds. Achieving HSM cutting speeds requires operating milling cutters at extremely high rotational velocities, often reaching 30,000 RPM or more. From a design perspective, general purpose milling cutters and cutting tools for high‑speed milling (HSM) of aluminium and its alloys are typically classified as either indexable tools, solid cutters – typically solid carbide endmills (SCEM), or SCEM assembled tools that mount replaceable cutting heads, primarily made of tungsten carbide. Machining at exceptionally high rotational velocity demands that milling tools withstand substantial centrifugal loads, maintain balancing quality, and ensure safety. A key goal is to achieve, at the design stage, a mass distribution…

**This story first appeared in the October 2025 edition of AMT Magazine** A strong sense of confidence in Australia’s precision engineering future has encouraged Redline Engineering to invest in a new 11 pallet, 5-axis Okuma CNC vertical machining centre. The model MU-5000V & Tower APC with OSP-P500MH control is the first of its type – a 5-axis machining centre with a Tower APC an automatic multi pallet system – to be installed anywhere in Australia.  Redline general manager Ken Stuart says he is confident his business will continue to grow manufacturing of its precision engineering components, due in part to the high regard in which Australian manufacturing is held around the world.  This high regard is due both to its quality and the on-time delivery that companies generate, he says. “The service aspect, I think, is becoming really important,” he says.  “Whether it is the culture we have or the way that we engage with the market, you get a sense there's a really strong passion for what we do – solving problems, being innovative, connecting to opportunities…

Created with high-mix, low-volume batch production in mind, this tool offers outstanding flexibility across a wide variety of materials, making it perfect for workshops dealing with diverse jobs and varying specifications. One of the biggest challenges for CNC metal cutting SMEs is managing frequent tool changes and maintaining efficiency across various material types. The new Harmony UNI+ addresses this with its unique end gash design, capable of ramping up to 45 degrees in soft steels, in addition to all the other operations typically expected from end mills, such as shoulder milling, full slotting, dynamic/trochoidal strategies, and even plunging/drilling, all with the one tool. The smoother and more efficient machining of complex and intricate applications is crucial for small-batch, custom jobs. This reduces downtime for tool changes and enhances overall productivity. Another standout feature of the new series is its TiSiNos PVD coating. This advanced coating technology guarantees superior performance in steel, stainless steel, and cast iron, while also extending tool life. For CNC workshops that…

For the first time, metal cutting and manufacturing solutions expert Sandvik Coromant will attend Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW). Taking place May 6 to 9, 2025, at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre (MCEC), Sandvik Coromant will join its software partners, Vericut and Mastercam, to provide an advisory service to visitors looking to optimise their machine investment and tool management strategies. AMW2025 will showcase the latest advancements in the manufacturing sector, featuring over 400 exhibitors and thousands of visitors. The exhibition is divided into various zones, including machine tools, additive manufacturing, manufacturing solutions, and robotics and automation. Sandvik Coromant will be in the Manufacturing Solutions Zone, exhibiting from stand MS360. To provide visitors with a comprehensive solution overview, Vericut and Mastercam will share a stand with Sandvik Coromant. This collaboration offers visitors the chance to explore the latest advancements in digital manufacturing, machine investment strategies, and process engineering. Sandvik Coromant will host an advisory booth to consult visitors on optimising their machining challenges, offering solutions for complex components and supporting new projects. At the stand, Manufacturing Wellness- a term coined by Sandvik…

Since its founding in 1898, Gühring has been at the forefront of precision cutting tool innovation, setting industry standards in quality, performance, and reliability. With a legacy spanning over 125 years, Gühring has established itself as a global leader in developing high-performance tools for industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and general engineering. Recognising the growing demand for advanced tooling solutions in Australia, Gühring expanded its global footprint and established Guhring Australia (Guhring Pty. Ltd.) in 1989 in Victoria. This strategic move was driven by a commitment to support Australian manufacturers with state-of-the-art tooling technology and local expertise. Over the past three decades, Guhring Australia has played a pivotal role in enhancing productivity and efficiency across a wide range of industries. Commitment to innovation and local manufacturing Guhring Australia has continually invested in their research, development, and manufacturing capabilities to meet the evolving needs of local industries. Equipped with cutting-edge CNC tool grinding machines, a PVD coating machine, and a support team of highly skilled engineers, Guhring Australia provides tailored tooling solutions that enhance machining performance and reduce production costs. The Guhring Compression…

A milling operation exposes multiple cutting edges to rapidly changing intermittent loads. Success in milling requires milling-specific choices and considerations. Whenever a milling cutter is employed, its cutting edges consistently enter and exit the workpiece material. The loads on the milling teeth vary from zero before entry to peak values during the cut and then return to zero at exit. The goal is to manage the intermittent loads of the milling process, thus maximising tool life, productivity, and process reliability. Essential factors for successful applications include cutter positioning, entry and exit strategies, and the control of chip thickness. Approaching the workpiece The loads on the milling tool are primarily determined by how the cutter and its cutting edges engage with the workpiece. In conventional or “up” milling, the cutter rotates against the direction of the workpiece feed. In climb or “down” milling, the cutter moves in the same direction as the feed. As a result, in conventional milling, the cutting edge enters the workpiece at minimum chip thickness and exits at maximum chip thickness. Conversely, the cutting edge in climb…

Steel processing specialists and integrators seek versatile, high-performance solutions that can effortlessly manage diverse project requirements and integrate with advanced automation systems. To meet these needs, Kraftech developed the X-Calibre™, a pioneering robotic plasma coping machine that combines precision, speed, and adaptability to accommodate a wide range of steel profiles. The X-Calibre provides a comprehensive solution capable of performing layout marking, scribing, four-side processing, cutting holes, coping, slotting, weld preparations, mitres, and bevels—all within a single unit. Kraftech’s ambitious development was powered by Beckhoff’s PC-based control technology, which offered the seamless integration, communication flexibility, and safety features required to bring this innovation to fruition. Kraftech is a premier provider of heavy-duty robotic equipment. Recently relocated to larger premises in southern Sydney, it collaborates with some of the globe’s most innovative industrial machinery manufacturers. With expertise in CNC machinery, plasma and oxy cutting systems, robotics, and fibre laser cutting machines, the company is dedicated to engineering state-of-the-art steel processing technologies. Engineered to excel in heavy-duty environments, the X-Calibre is customised for demanding projects that require precision and reliability. Designed for mass…

Our cutting-edge machine tool portfolio includes abrasives, super-abrasives, grinding and dielectric fluids, and synthetic water-based coolants. With years of industry experience, our expert team ensures customers receive solutions that maximise value and productivity. Come and see us at AMW2025, at Stand MT882. We invite exhibition attendees to visit our booth to explore our latest offerings, including tool pre-setting, balancing, and measuring equipment by Speroni, industrial butt-welding machines by IDEAL Werk, and industrial cleaning solutions by Teknox. Additionally, we provide extensive information on equipment, consumables, and coolants from leading brands such as Vollmer, Loroch, Schnell Kennametal, Molemab, and Oelheld. Our team will be on hand to discuss how these solutions can enhance your manufacturing processes and help you achieve superior results. In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, precision and efficiency are crucial. Camco Cutting Tools meets these demands by providing innovative CNC solutions and high-performance consumables that help manufacturers stay ahead. We work closely with top European manufacturers to source CNC equipment that meets the highest industry standards. Our carefully selected…

As manufacturing environments evolve and competition increases, businesses face growing pressure to enhance precision, reduce waste, and improve production efficiency. At booth MT510, Performatec will showcase live demonstrations of state-of-the-art waterjet and fibre laser cutting systems, providing a first-hand look at solutions designed to optimise production workflows. Live demonstrations of advanced cutting systems Performatec's live demonstrations will highlight how advanced cutting technology is improving precision, efficiency, and material versatility in modern manufacturing. The display at booth MT510 will focus on two leading-edge cutting solutions: Waterjet cutting – the most versatile machine for clean, accurate cutting of thick metals including mild steel, heat soak plate, aluminium, stainless, brass, copper and composites, offering precise cutting without heat-affected zones. Fibre laser cutting – designed for high-speed sheet metal processing, delivering exceptional accuracy with reduced operational costs. These demonstrations will provide attendees with practical insights into how these technologies can be integrated into different manufacturing environments. Expert insights from industry specialists Beyond the live demonstrations, Performatec's CNC machinery specialists will be available to discuss the technical and operational aspects of integrating advanced cutting solutions. Attendees…

At AMW2025, RJS Tech Group will present a cutting-edge showcase featuring PPTools, NanoTech, Rogers Industries, and Whitelaw Engineering Machinery. This unified stand will highlight how Australian-made innovations are pushing the boundaries of efficiency, durability, and performance in modern manufacturing. PPTools will demonstrate the art of precision tool manufacturing with its Walter G200—a state-of-the-art 5-axis CNC grinding machine. Visitors will witness firsthand how this technology enables the production of highly accurate, custom-designed rotary cutting tools, essential for woodworking, metalworking, and composite machining. Whitelaw Engineering Machinery will present a diverse range of industrial lathes, the Meltio system, and other high-performance industrial equipment. The Meltio system, a breakthrough in hybrid additive manufacturing, showcases the future of metal 3D printing, enabling manufacturers to build and repair metal components with unparalleled precision. NanoTech will highlight its world-class PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating technology, developed using the PLATIT PLi411 Plus—the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. This innovative process significantly enhances tool hardness, wear resistance, and heat tolerance, ensuring extended tool life and higher machining efficiency. Rogers Industries, leaders in…

Brad Jones Racing (BJR) is among the most respected teams in the Supercars Championship, Australia’s premier touring car racing series. Based in Albury, NSW, BJR was founded by brothers Brad and Kim Jones. They successfully competed in various racing series throughout the 1990s before entering the Supercars championship in 2000. Supercars is known for its high-intensity races and technical demands. In 2023, it introduced its current Generation 3 Chevrolet Camaros and Ford Mustangs. These purpose-built race cars require thousands of bespoke parts and retain very little of their production models. Running a four-car team in this elite series, as BJR does, is a monumental challenge and requires over 50 full-time staff. Managing four cars means preparing, maintaining, and sometimes wholly rebuilding them between race meetings, which requires extraordinary resources and precision. Running one car for the entire season will cost BJR around $2m if all goes well. The immense fabrication and engineering effort behind the scenes at BJR is critical to its…

ANCA, an Australian leader in advanced manufacturing, proudly announces that its co-founders, Patrick Boland and Patrick McCluskey, have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours List. Known as ‘The Two Pats,’ their visionary leadership has propelled ANCA to the forefront of global technology. They have demonstrated that advanced manufacturing can thrive in Australia and contribute to high-value products, international competitiveness, meaningful careers, and sovereign industrial capabilities. A lifetime of innovation and dedication Boland and McCluskey's dynamic partnership, combining academic expertise and practical ingenuity, has driven ANCA’s success for over 50 years. Their passion for innovation and engineering excellence has led to the development of world-first technologies that have revolutionised the cutting-tool industry. Notable innovations include groundbreaking in-machine measurement, which disrupted and shaped the market and set new standards in precision manufacturing. Success didn’t come overnight. Long before the internet era, ANCA brought its ambitious vision to life by targeting a niche global market, adopting robotics, and applying innovative solutions to the machine world. Today, ANCA continues to…

Kanyana Engineering has followed a policy of providing unique sheet metal services at its Greenfields, WA manufacturing facility since its formation in 1997. They started this process with a 100-ton press capable of bending 6mm material when their competitors could only bend 3mm material. This policy is continuing and now the company has progressed from high tolerance plasma cutting to fibre laser cutting with a 15kW 1.5m x 3m Bystronic Bystar and the first Bystronic 20kW Penta laser with 2.5m x 6m bed in Western Australia. This machine can cut 50mm mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium, giving the company the largest job shop capacity in the region. The company's capabilities make it sought after for supplying civil, mining, industrial, construction and creative arts projects. The huge variety includes balustrades for the Kalbarri Skywalk, which soars 100m above the Murchison River Gorge, and mining refuge chambers designed to protect miners in an emergency. The Managing Director of Kanyana Engineering, Graham Dawe, understood that software and integrating the company’s systems was crucial to his plan. “I had experience from a previous computer business and…