Metal milling

On Thor Ahlgren AB we combine experience and technology to offer advanced CNC milling, from one-off prototypes to series production in tough industrial materials. We process black plate, high-strength steel, wear plate, stainless steel and aluminum - always with high demands on quality, traceability and durability. 

We see steel as something malleable. For us, steel is Hard is soft - and this is also true in our sustainability work, where we measure CO₂ footprint at item level and are certified according to ISO 14001 and IATF 16949. 

Please send prototype files

Milling up to size x=1016 Y=508 Z=635

Contact us

Contact us and we will help you 

Tel: +46 (0) 370 798 05
Mail: ulf.sundling@thorahlgren.se

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Basic principles of metal milling

To achieve the best possible results, we follow industry guidelines: 

  • Tools: Coated carbide inserts (P or M grades), positive geometry. 
  • Chip control: Choose axial width (ae) ≈ 25 % or 75-80 % of the cutter diameter. Avoid center cuts. 
  • Entrance: Use climb/down milling with scrolling input. 
  • Circulation: Short protrusion, rigid machine, proper clamping - especially important for wear plate. 
  • Cutting fluid: Dry for steel, high strength and wear plate. Fog lubrication or ample cooling for stainless and aluminum. 

Black plate & heavy plate

Typical materials: S235-S355 

  • Vc: 200-240 m/min 
  • fz: 0.12-0.25 mm/tooth 
  • Tips: Remove the scale in the first pass (dry run). 
  • Detailed advice: Glow shell is abrasive - use robust P35 cutter or pre-cut with plasma. 

Ordinary steel

Typical materials: C45, 42CrMo4 

  • Vc: 180-220 m/min 
  • fz: 0.10-0.25 mm/tooth 
  • Tips: In case of unstable clamping - keep depth of cut (ap) < 0,5 × D. 
  • Detailed advice: Adapt tools to the strength of the steel and the capacity of the machine. 
  •  

Extra high strength steel

Typical materials: Strenx 700-1100 

  • Vc: 
    • 700-960: 180-250 m/min 
    • 1100: 110-150 m/min 
  • fz: 0.10-0.35 mm/tooth 
  • Tips: Roll into the cut, run dry, use P30 cutter. 
  • Detailed advice: Use high toughness tools with a corner radius of 0.8-1.2 mm to avoid edge chipping. 
  •  

Wear plate

Typical materials: Hardox 400-500 

  • Vc: 
    • Hardox 400: 100-160 m/min 
    • Hardox 500: 40-60 m/min 
  • fz: 
    • 400: 0.10-0.25 mm/tooth 
    • 500: 0.02-0.05 mm/tooth 
  • Tips: Short projection, rough pitch, always down-milling. 
  • Detailed advice: Start with at least 2 mm depth to pass the hard surface zone. 
  •  

Forging blanks

  • Starting value: Same as the corresponding steel grade, but reduce Vc by 10 % in the first pass.
  • Detailed advice: Scale and casting skins require durable CVD coating. Preferably plane mill 2-3 mm before finishing. 

Stainless steel

  • Typical materials: Austenitic 304/316, heat resistant 310S 
    • Vc: 
    • 304/316: 150-250 m/min 
    • 310S: 110-140 m/min 
  • fz: 
    • 304/316: 0.06-0.18 mm/tooth 
    • 310S: 0.05-0.12 mm/tooth 
  • Tips: Run dry when roughening. Mist lubricate when finishing. 
  • Detailed advice: Avoid low feeds - it leads to egg build-up. Instead, keep fz high and interventions short. 
    •  

Aluminum (< 8 % Si)

  • Typical materials: 6061 
    • Vc: 640-865 m/min 
    • fz: 0.08-0.25 mm/tooth 
  • Tips: Use polished inserts with positive geometry and ample cooling. 
      • Detailed advice: At Si < 8 % - choose PCD inserts. At higher Si - use DLC coating. 

Tips for process optimization

  • Use cutting data apps: Sandvik CoroPlus ToolGuide can streamline both speed (n) and feed (vf). 
  • Prevent vibrations: Reduce the number of teeth in engagement if the machine is light or vibrations occur. 
  • Tool change in time: Replace before wear > 0.2 mm (steel) or 0.15 mm (stainless). 
  • Document adjustments: Particularly important for EHSS and wear plate - small changes affect tool life. 

Milling with durability guarantee

We believe in sound business, measurable results and long-term partnerships. Our ability to measure CO₂ footprints at item level, our ISO certifications and our constant focus on quality make us a partner you can trust - not just for today's delivery, but for tomorrow's requirements. 

Need help optimizing your milling? 
Contact us - we'll analyze your drawings, suggest the right strategy and deliver with precision. 

Thor Ahlgren - Your partner in advanced CNC milling.

Tel: +46 (0) 370 798 05
Mail: ulf.sundling@thorahlgren.se

Contact persons >

Thor Ahlgren AB
Box 134 - SE-568 23
Skillingaryd, Sweden

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