THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER FOR NIAGARA CUTTER DISTRIBUTORS SPRING 2000 | VOLUME 5 | NUMBER 1 Back to News Index

A New Look
We hope you've noticed our letter has a new look. If you've been collecting them you know that the CUTTING EDGE NEWS first appeared In the Spring of 1996. That first Issue led off with a message from our president introducing our newest distributor communication. So as we enter the new millenium we felt it was a good time for a newsletter upgrade - we hope you enjoy it.

Another New Look
We're also pleased to announce another new look - this one to our trade show exhibit. We now have a dynamic presentation in both 10' and 20' configurations. It's a clean design with a strong message and large graphic elements. At the same time there is ample room for display of Niagara's products. The 20' exhibit booth premired at Westec 2000 in Los Angeles this past March. For Niagara Cutter's complete 2000 show schedule, visit our website. (www.niagaracutter.com)

WHY CARBIDE?
WHY NIAGARA CUTTER CARBIDE?

A considerable portion of this newsletter is dedicated to the above questions. The answer to the first question really isn't too difficult. The metal working industry has, for some time now, appreciated the efficiencies that can be realized by using solid carbide end mills. The second question, one we're asked all the time, requires a significantly more detailed answer. Aren't all carbides and aren't all solid carbide tools created equal?

The answer is-absolutely not. Cemented carbide grades and end mill designs can have very significant differences. Following are just a few of the considerations.

GEOMETRY - Once the material has been precisely matched to the application, tool geometry becomes a huge consideration. We've engineered our entire ELITE line to best suit the properties of carbide. Rake angles, primary and secondary reliefs, flute design, core diameter and all other aspects of geometry are considered in Niagara Cutter solid carbide tool design.

MATERIAL - Carbide is a composite material in which the most significant component is tungsten carbide particles that are produced in a range of grain sizes. The use of extra fine carbide allows the manufacture of a tool with finer finishes and therefore better cutting and wear properties. The grain size combined with the overall percentage of cobalt in the tool has a significant effect on finished tool hardness, TRS (transverse rupture strength), and K1C (fracture toughness). All these relate to tool wear, tool life, tool toughness, and tool strength. Niagara Cutter has created its carbide formulas, selected its suppliers and formulated its individual tools to maximize carbide's unique characteristics.

CONSISTENCY - Niagara's manufacturing knowledge, along with premium carbide, high performance geometry and state-of-the-art PVD coating processes, provide superior product consistency. Our new world class grinding systems and manufacturing technology deliver premium performance and value, tool after tool.

COATINGS - Like many materials, the qualities of carbide can be enhanced for specific applications, with the use of Niagara Microshield PVD coatings. Our ELITE line of solid carbide tools is available, not only in a wide range of configurations, but also in coatings of TiN, TICN and TiAIN.

ANOTHER INTRODUCTION
The rumor is true! The Niagara Cutter new solid carbide catalog is out. Catalog SC2000 is bigger and better. We're confident you'll find this the most comprehensive and easy-to-use catalog to date.

CONCLUSION
These are just a few of the points we can make regarding "Why Niagara Cutter Solid Carbide?" We admit these aren't all of them and we've just briefly touched on the details, but you get the idea - and the next time somebody asks, you'll have the "Short answer" - because ELITE is just that - the best you can buy... and there is a difference