Efficient coolant delivery plays a key role in internal grooving of heat-resistant super alloys, where proper cooling significantly affects both tool life and process stability. In this case, we focused on internal grooving of a Ti6Al4V forging, a component of an aircraft engine.
The customer used a SL70-SRDCR-50-12 tool with an RCMT 1204M0 – MK insert, with grooving performed using a trochoidal strategy. The goal was to minimize any process modifications and not to interfere with the approved technology.
Solution: Innovative flank-face cooling
We designed a modification of the flank section of the tool holder to provide more efficient coolant delivery along the entire active cutting edge. Based on the original design, we produced a new tool body that is fully compatible with the original tool, except for the newly integrated flank element for coolant supply.
The flank element was produced by 3D printing from tool steel and attached to the tool body with a screw. Thanks to additive manufacturing, it was possible to optimize the orientation of the nozzles, which precisely deliver coolant along the entire active length of the circular cutting edge.
Results
✅ 3.5× longer tool life
✅ More consistent and predictable wear
✅ Enhanced process reliability through efficient cooling
The flank coolant supply usually brings significant benefits when machining titanium alloys, which was also confirmed in this application. With only minimal modification to the tool body, a more stable process, reduced tooling costs, and higher production efficiency were achieved.
| Fan disk | Ti6Al4V | Grooving – Roughing |
| Tool | SL70-SRDCR-50-12 | ECHO – SL70-SRDCR-50-12 |
| Insert | RCMT 1204M0 – MK | |
| Vc [m/min] | 65 | |
| f [mm/rev] | 0,25 | |
| ap [mm] | 2,5 | |
| Coolant pressure [bar] | 12 | |
| Too wear comparison after 32 mins in cut |  |  |
