MSC Industrial Supply Co. UK (MSC) has introduced MSC Edge, a new brand of cutting tools designed by MSC engineers, for engineers.
As the UK’s leading supplier of metalworking, safety, and MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) products, MSC and its team of time-served engineers recognised an increasing demand within SME engineering firms for durable, quality cutting tools, at an affordable price from a trusted source.
The brand ambition for MSC Edge is to offer a range of multipurpose cutting tools that can do 80% of machining operations, with 20% of the tools, across a wide range of materials — a game-changer that will simplify and rationalise tooling processes, saving the user both time and money.
Gareth Evans, Director of Engineering and Business Innovation at MSC, comments: “With many of our precision engineering customers diversifying into new sectors and shifting towards more project-based work, we saw the need for durable, multi-purpose tooling that performs as they need it to and at the right price.
“We understand that having specific tools per application or material can be costly and time-consuming. However, a great machinist will make do with the tools in their carousel and tweak the cutting data to the material. With the introduction of MSC Edge, our brand promise is to help you rationalise your tooling, across multiple materials, with the tools and sizes commonly needed, ultimately saving you time and money. Nevertheless, whenever a specific tool is needed, for that perfect application, there are over 500 Industry-leading brands available at MSC, to ensure you get the right tool for the job.
“At MSC, we are relentlessly committed to our purpose of ‘Built to Make You Better.’ This launch isn’t just about tools, it’s about supporting the engineering community in tackling the toughest challenges, head-on.”
The development of MSC Edge is rooted in the MSC engineers’ firsthand understanding of the demands faced by their peers.
Each tool in the MSC Edge range has undergone rigorous testing at the state-of-the-art MSC Technology Centre, in Wednesbury, using the company’s Hurco machining centre programmed with Autodesk Fusion 360, as well as with its SME manufacturing customers on real-world applications.
The in-house testing facilities also allowed MSC to maintain control over specifications, ensuring consistent and accurate results. By replicating customer environments and applications, the testing aligned with common cutting strategies, including drilling, profiling, full-width slotting, and helical milling.
Engineers meticulously analysed wear patterns under a microscope during extensive trials, across various materials and toolpaths. This approach now ensures that each tool not only exceeds performance standards but also remains competitively priced.
The first phase of MSC Edge is now available for order, focusing on solid carbide holemaking and milling. A second phase of cutting tools is expected to launch in late 2025.
Gareth adds, “MSC Edge represents the collective expertise and metalworking knowledge within MSC. These tools are designed specifically for engineering customers, enabling them to work smarter, not harder. With MSC Edge, they can enhance their efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness in the market.”
For more information about MSC Edge and to explore the range of cutting tools, visit: mscdirect.co.uk/msc-edge.
