The perfect finish with outstanding non-stick properties: LUKAS LightFlow coating

Aluminium is an important raw material in many fields, and the electronics industry is no exception. This metal is known for its relatively high specific strength. Compared to steel components, those made from aluminium are only half the weight, yet equally as strong. This is why special precipitation hardening aluminium and copper alloys lend themselves particularly well to lightweight construction in the aerospace industry. Indeed, aluminium can account for up to 60% of the total weight of an aircraft.

As one of the technological leaders in the manufacture of milling, grinding, polishing and cutting system solutions, LUKAS-ERZETT GmbH & Co. KG, which is based in the Cologne area in the Oberbergisch district, specialises in manufacturing, retailing and offering consulting services for grinding, milling, polishing and cutting tools, power tools, and an extensive range of accessories. LUKAS unswervingly pursues the goal of combining quality and safety with future-oriented answers.

Aluminium and other non-ferrous metals are difficult to machine – especially because they’re so soft. LUKAS-ERZETT manufactures a diverse range of products designed specifically for machining aluminium and has now added a special coating to its portfolio.

The new LightFlow coating from LUKAS reduces friction between the tool and the surface of the material to an optimum level, which minimises wear and tear and results in a five-times longer tool life, as is the case with the Z9 Alu burr. It lets you create excellent surfaces while also extending the tool life of the burr. This coating prevents burrs from getting clogged – or not clogged so quickly – by aluminium chips, for example. Nothing gets stuck to the tool at all! This lets you work for longer without having to clean or replace the tool. The LightFlow coating is not only the perfect solution for machining aluminium, but also suitable for chipping graphite, copper, carbon and wood. These characteristics make this burr the perfect problem solver, especially for rail vehicle or engine construction in the train and automotive industry.

The manufacture of aluminium components involves different machining processes, which can vary greatly in terms of complexity. The different processes can be classified into three categories: forming, chipping and finishing.

Aluminium components can be milled in CNC machining centres or machined on a lathe. The unique material properties of aluminium, however, mean that the tools used must be specifically designed for machining this type of metal.

It is these material properties, the vast potential that aluminium offers in terms of machining and processing, and the metal’s good recyclability that explains why it continues to be considered a material of the future. Demand for aluminium is continually increasing in road and rail vehicle construction, as well as in the aerospace industry. Because the aluminium alloys used in commercial vehicle construction have a relatively low hardness, it is critical to sharpen and polish drills carefully. If sharpened incorrectly, the drill can bend or oscillate, causing the metal – which is a supposedly easy material to machine – to tear at the edge of the drill hole.

These problems can be prevented! The LUKAS Z9 Alu burr with LightFlow coating is razor-sharp, making it ideal for machining aluminium, plastics and wood. The optimum synergy between the burr and the LightFlow coating elevates this tool to a whole new level. Without the LightFlow coating, the Z9 Alu burr already has a very high chip volume due to the burr’s coarse single cut and facet cut, and combined with the coating the chip volume is impressively high. This enables users to work quickly and produce a perfect finish. Little effort is required when working thanks to the maximum chip cross section. 

Aluminium is one of the best metal conductors of electrical energy, which is why aluminium machining is a key process in the manufacture of electronic components. Aluminium machining for the production of electricity-conducting elements involves manufacturing processes such as cold forming, chipping and laser cutting. The finished aluminium components are used in different areas within the field of power distribution.

The LUKAS portfolio includes Z9 tungsten carbide burrs with and without LightFlow coating. Alongside the innovative LightFlow coating, the LowFriction coating (a carbon-based hard layer) also offers special advantages when machining long-chipping and lubricating non-ferrous metals, in particular aluminium alloys. The lotus effect of the coating reduces friction and adhesive wear, and minimises the formation of built-up edges. It is only surpassed by the new LightFlow coating.

When deciding which abrasive to use for a specific application, various factors need to be taken into account, including tool life, chip removal, price, ergonomics, surface quality and, last but not least, the skills of the user. The experts of LUKAS-ERZETT are pleased to advise on selecting the correct products. 

LUKAS-ERZETT GmbH & Co. KG, based in the Oberbergisch district of the greater Cologne area, is a technological leader in the manufacture of milling, grinding, polishing and cutting system solutions, and provides expert consultancy services in the use of grinding, milling, polishing and cutting tools.

Why not see how you can benefit from the ergonomic design and performance of LUKAS products and let us advise you on the best solutions for your needs?