Walter has expanded its range of tools for radial grooving, parting-off, groove turning and copy turning with the introduction of WedgeFit, a modular grooving system designed to deliver high stability and process reliability.
The system features a double dovetail guide, two TorxPlus side screws and a new top-clamping mechanism for the cutting insert. Together, these features help reduce vibration and improve machining stability. Tightening the side screws secures the module firmly in the toolholder with a defined preload, achieving stability comparable to monoblock solutions.
The top-clamping mechanism also provides higher clamping forces than conventional lateral clamping. This reduces the risk of the cutting insert moving out of its seat, particularly when machining materials prone to shrinkage, such as nickel-based alloys in the ISO-S group.
In addition to the enormous stability, the optional precision cooling on the rake and flank faces also helps to extend tool life. Particularly when combined with the double-tooth design of the Groov·tec® cutting inserts, WedgeFit enables higher cutting parameters, a tool life increased by around 50 per cent and maximum cost-efficiency compared with systems using conventional clamping. This is because, for example, in the event of damage, the application simply needs to replace the affected module, and because changes and adjustments can be carried out more quickly and efficiently. As a first step, Walter is launching WedgeFit with GD26 cutting inserts for cutting depths of up to 26 mm and DX18 cutting inserts for cutting depths of up to 17 mm. Walter Capto™ interfaces and square shanks are available. The range is to be gradually expanded to include further modules, cutting insert sizes and interfaces.