WALTER'S ADVANCED TOOL GEOMETRY POWERS NEXTGEN ALUMINIUM MACHINING

With global aluminium demand set to soar, machining specialist Walter is meeting the challenge head-on. Its latest tools, featuring unique micro-geometries, enhance efficiency, cut heat, and boost productivity—setting new benchmarks in high-volume aluminium machining for transport and aerospace industries.

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According to a study by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), global aluminium demand is projected to grow by 40 per cent by 2030, rising from 86.2 million tonnes in 2020 to 119.5 million tonnes. A key sector driving this growth is transportation – spanning bicycles, cars, trucks, and even aircraft. Addressing this dynamic and expanding market, machining specialists such as Walter, based in Tübingen, Germany, have developed a dedicated range of high-performance tools.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE MACHINING SYSTEMS FACE NEW CHALLENGES

Aluminium alloys are particularly favoured in applications where high component toughness must be balanced with low weight. This has led to a surge in lightweight construction, particularly within the mobility sector. However, this combination of material properties also presents machining challenges. For example, the high ductility of wrought aluminium alloys can lead to build-up on the cutting edge, and long chips can compromise process reliability. In the aerospace sector, components are often milled from solid billets, with machining volumes reaching up to 95 per cent of the original blank. These parts are also frequently large and complex, making secure clamping more difficult.