Leading the evolution of machining

 

As the manufacturing industry navigates a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by sustainability, digitalisation, and high-performance demands, Seco continues to lead by example. The company has unveiled a suite of innovations spanning tool development, digital services, and circular manufacturing models—each designed to improve productivity, precision, and environmental performance.

 

From the launch of the new generation Round 20 copy milling cutters, to the introduction of Seco Component Guidance for on-demand tooling recommendations, and cutting-edge research into data-driven sustainable machining, Seco is redefining the standards for modern machining. Coupled with a deepening commitment to circularity, these advancements affirm Seco’s role as a catalyst for responsible industrial transformation.

 

New Generation Round 20: Optimised for Tough Roughing Tasks

At the forefront of Seco’s tooling innovations is the new generation of Round 20 copy mills and inserts, designed to elevate performance in rough milling and complex 3D profiling applications. Compatible with legacy cutter bodies, the latest Round 20 series brings enhanced efficiency across a broad range of materials including steel, stainless steel, heat-resistant superalloys, hardened steels, and cast iron.

 

The updated Round 20 inserts are engineered for high productivity in face, side, slot, plunge, and ramp milling. With larger diameters and the ability to generate R10 mm radii using 20 mm round inserts, they deliver higher material removal rates and lower cost per part.

 

“The new Round 20 represents a significant evolution,” explains Benoit Patriarca, Seco Product Manager. “With insert indexing options up to eight positions, users can fine-tune tool wear to match the depth of cut. This flexibility, along with compatibility with existing cutter bodies, ensures both performance and cost-efficiency.”

 

In addition, the use of insert shims and cassettes extends cutter body life by protecting pockets from damage—minimising unplanned downtime and tool replacement costs. With 16 cutter bodies, 4 shim types, 3 cassette options, and 30 indexable inserts available, the Round 20 platform supports both versatility and scalability in high-performance machining.

 

Seco Component Guidance: AI-powered tooling recommendations on demand

To streamline tool selection and improve quoting accuracy, Seco has launched Component Guidance, a web-based application that leverages cloud computing and AI to analyse 3D part models. Customers simply upload CAD files and receive instant tooling recommendations based on the specific geometries detected—such as holes, pockets, and edges.

 

“Component Guidance is a breakthrough for both procurement and process planning,” says Erik Ekqvist, Seco Product Manager. “It provides accurate, tailored tool choices within seconds—helping manufacturers quickly evaluate cost, tool availability, and feature optimisation.”

 

The system further enhances cost-efficiency by recommending multi-functional tools and referencing the user’s purchasing history to prioritise existing inventory—minimising the need for new purchases and reducing tooling redundancy.

 

Sustainable Machining Through Data Intelligence

In collaboration with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) North West in the UK, Seco is piloting a comprehensive data intelligence program to advance sustainable machining. The initiative segments the machining ecosystem into three domains:

 

1. The machine – Monitors energy consumption by sub-process, cutting fluid usage, and material input, all converted into live CO₂ impact and cost metrics.
2. The machine environment – Tracks ambient conditions such as temperature and humidity, which influence machine energy demands.
3. The facility – Assesses broader patterns like ventilation, lighting, and load distribution to detect inefficiencies.

 

By correlating these variables, Seco and AMRC aim to develop AI-driven systems that continuously optimise machining performance while minimising energy use and carbon emissions.

 

“This system gives us unparalleled insight into process-level sustainability,” explains a Seco sustainability lead. “Every kilowatt hour can now be traced, measured, and improved.”

 

Ultimately, the testbed integrates Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) with live data to calculate component-level environmental scores—allowing customers to directly compare the carbon footprint of different programs or tools. The long-term vision includes a fully automated feedback loop for real-time process optimisation.

 

Circularity: Embedding Sustainability Into Every Phase of the Product Lifecycle

Beyond digitalisation and tooling performance, circularity remains central to Seco’s sustainability roadmap. The company’s holistic approach goes far beyond recycling, encompassing product design for longevity, repairability, and reuse, while also promoting resource traceability.

 

“Circularity challenges us to rethink how we create, use, and recover value,” says Malvina Roci, Circularity Manager at Seco. “We’re embedding circular principles into everything—from supplier collaboration to customer engagement.”

 

Seco’s initiatives include:

• Designing tools for easy refurbishment and reconditioning
• Prioritising recycled and recyclable materials in product design
• Introducing data matrix codes on tools for full lifecycle traceability
• Expanding reconditioning services that extend tool life and reduce waste
• Setting a bold target of 90% circularity in products, packaging, and waste by 2030

 

These efforts not only reduce environmental impact but also offer customers tangible cost savings by maximising tool longevity and minimising material consumption.

 

Conclusion: A Unified Vision For The Future Of Manufacturing

Seco’s recent developments are more than a collection of product releases—they represent an integrated strategy to modernise manufacturing through performance, digital innovation, and sustainability. Whether it’s the versatile Round 20 copy mills, the smart tool selection enabled by Component Guidance, or the ambitious sustainability data initiatives with AMRC, each effort aligns with Seco’s purpose: Together, we make manufacturing fast, easy, and sustainable.

 

As the industry embraces transformative technologies and heightened environmental accountability, Seco stands ready to lead—one tool, one process, and one partnership at a time.

Source: Seco Tools