Micro-Diameter End Mill Series Reduces Cutting Time, Enhances Finishing for Ultra-Precision Moldmaking

Established in 1979, Towa, with headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, is a global manufacturer of ultra-precision molds and molding equipment for the semiconductor industry. Through the manufacture of ultra-precision molds, Towa has developed its own line of micro-diameter end mills and drills that feature high accuracy, with excellent wear resistance, sharpness and long life. Towa is now introducing its end mill product line to the North American market.

The end mills, tipped with CBN, which is the second hardest material after diamond, are offered in sizes ranging from 0.1-6 mm in diameter, with various configurations — from sharp corner, radius corner, ball, standard neck length and extended neck length. Towa also offers CBN end mills in multi-flute configurations. By maintaining the same feed per flute, and increasing the number of flutes, the company notes reduced cutting time, and thus, increased profitability. As the result of their hardness, the CBN series of end mills are idea for machining hardened materials in the range of 55 to over 60 HRC.

Towa’s proprietary-coated solid carbide end mills are offered in sizes ranging from 0.1-20 mm in diameter, and with the same configurations as the CBN series. Specialized coatings, such as “Hard Star” is designed for finishing operation for harden steels from 55 to over 60 HRC. “Ion Depo” coating enables the machining of hardened steels to the 50 HRC range, and is well-suited for machining non-ferrous materials such as copper and aluminum alloys and graphite.

Towa is also able to customize end mills with specific sizes and geometries to fit user applications.