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Swiss tooling and a range of machine-specific adapters from European manufacturer Dieterle are now available in North America from the CIMtek group. The Dieterle line includes the Eco-Star Extrenal Tooling System, which consists of hardened and tempered toolholders designed for easy insert change and precise insert location. Featuring a pressed steel bushing, this design allows users to change inserts without removing the toolholder from the machine.

With ground inserts that are said to be useful for a variety of applications, the system allows turning, grooving, parting-off, threading and copying with only one toolholder when implemented in sliding-headstock machines. Coated carbide grades are available for materials including high-alloy steels, titanium and stainless steels.

The line also includes MiniFix Internal Swiss Machining Systems, which are suitable for boring, threading, grooving and copying in diameters measuring 0.028" and larger. The system allows the use of either indexable or solid carbide cutters in the same toolholder. Its V-shank design provides easy setup and locks in one way, providing insert repeatability of less than 0.0005" both axially and radially, the company says.