When we choose the turning insert, we should consider many parameters such as the insert geometry, insert grade, insert shape, and insert size, nose radius and entering angle to achieve good chip control and machining performance.
First, we need know the inserts will be used for roughing, finishing or just doing some general turning. For roughing and general turning applications, Negative inserts are the strongest and the best option as it will allow deeper depths of cut and higher feed rates due to strong insert shapes and thickness.
Negative turning insert
If you are finishing, positive inserts are always the best option as these create less cutting forces and can therefore get away with lower depths of cut, eliminating vibration.
Positive turning insert
Second, confirm the turning insert grade
The insert geometry and insert grade complement each other. For example, the toughness of a grade can compensate for lack of strength in an insert geometry.
Last, Turning inserts shape
The insert shape should be selected relative to the entering angle accessibility required of the tool. The largest possible nose angle should be selected to provide insert strength and reliability. However, this has to be balanced against the variation of cuts that need to be performed.
A large nose angle is strong, but requires more machine power and has a higher tendency for vibration.
A small nose angle is weaker and has a small cutting edge engagement, both of which can make it more sensitive to the effects of heat.
I would always express to my new recruits that there isn’t really any bad turning grades, but instead turning grades wrongly applied. You can have the best insert geometry and chipbreaker, but if the grade of carbide doesn’t suit the material you’re cutting, you’ll just be wasting your time.
Once you have selected the material-specific grade of carbide, we then need to determine whether you are roughing, medium or finish turning.
The below guide should give you a good grounding in which grade suits which material / application.
A roughing grade is very tough and will run at slower surface speed but withstands intermittent cuts well. However, your roughing may be very different to someone else’s roughing. For example, a turner on a VTL turning large stainless steel castings will be taking 5mm+ depth of cut, whereas a turner on a smaller lathe will be roughing with much smaller depths of cut.
In these cases, it may be useful to talk to one of our engineers and discuss your requirements using information like:
Zhuzhou Xinhua Cemented Carbide industrial Co Ltd is located in zhuzhou city, the largest cemented carbide products manufacturing center in Asia. We manufacture all kinds of carbide inserts for more than 20 years with good quality and pretty competitive price.
If you have any inquiry or questions, pls feel free to contact 86 181 0733 2178 or email to [email protected]