Hale Machining: New Possibilities in Seal Groove Milling

The ZELTWANGER Maschinenbau GmbH is expanding its high-precision machining capabilities with Hale Machining, a process for the high-precision production of seal grooves and ultra-flat functional surfaces. When seal grooves or flat functional surfaces are machined conventionally using a rotating end mill, curved tool marks typically remain on the surface. If these marks cross the sealing contour, they can form potential leakage paths from the inside to the outside.

With Hale Machining, by contrast, the surface is generated by a straight, planing-like cutting motion. This produces linear tool marks that can be specifically aligned along the sealing contour. In this way, potential leakage paths can be reduced, while also minimizing the need for subsequent surface finishing.

The process is particularly relevant for applications with stringent leak-tightness requirements, such as high-vacuum environments used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and processes.

Using the hyperMILL CAM software from OPEN MIND in combination with specially adapted tooling technology, we have successfully integrated the process into our manufacturing operations with a high level of process reliability.
The result is a reproducible manufacturing process for components with demanding requirements in terms of precision, leak tightness, and surface quality.