September 2026 Newsletter | | Coating Performance Impact | | When cutting conditions become demanding the right coating can make all the difference. A well-matched coating helps protect the cutting edge, fights high heat oxidation, and keeps the tool performing consistently. M.A. Ford offers strong, durable,high-quality coating options for a range of materials and cutting applications. | | |
Performance Impact
When selecting the right coating think about both the workpiece material and the cutting conditions. Material hardness, abrasiveness, heat management needs, mechanical stress, and chip removal all influence which option is appropriate.
| | | | | That match can improve more than durability. By helping preserve the cutting edge the right coating can improve surface quality and consistent production. In the right process, it can also support higher feed rates, a stable cutting environment, and reduce the need to change out the tool frequently, contributing to productivity and cost efficiency. | | Choosing the Right Coating | |
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The workpiece material — Consider whether the material is ferrous, hardened, abrasive, composite, aluminum, magnesium, nickel-based, titanium, or another challenging material.
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The Application — Different cutting applications may place different demands on the edge.
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Cutting conditions — Account for heat oxidation, speed and feeds, chip evacuation, and whether your running tools dry or using a cutting fluid.
| | | 4. Match the coating to the need — Prioritize wear resistance, chip evacuation, low material affinity, hardness, or oxidation resistance according to the application. | With coating options for high performance drilling, difficult to machine material, and other cutting applications, M.A. Ford can help you evaluate a coating match for your process. Any standard uncoated tool can be coated if requested. M.A. Ford, upon request, can provide any commercially available coating as well. Contact Customer Service at sales@maford.com for details. | | ALtima® Micro coating just got an upgrade! | | M.A. Ford® is pleased to announce further development of our ALtima® Micro coating. Utilization of new coating technologies will change the appearance of the AM coating. Current AM coating is a dark metallic silver coloration. The new AM coating will feature a metallic copper coloration. | | |
You will see instances of both current and new coating within orders until current inventory rolls through to new inventory. Standard series that currently use our ALtima® Micro coating is the 305 series high performance micro drill.
Any question on this coating, please contact the M.A. Ford R&D department at: maftech@maford.com or your local M.A. Ford representative.
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Our TuffCut® X-AL Series XAL5R Rougher and XAL5F Finisher work together as a complete machining solution. The XAL5R is designed for heavy stock removal, while the XAL5F delivers superior surface quality for finishing. Together, our tools provide an efficient, high-performance approach to aluminum machining.
Explore the XAL5R series here and XAL5F series here and find the right solution for your application. Or check out the brochures below.
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