Leading China Carbide Inserts Manufacturer

Shape the Future: Premium Milling, Turning, and Grooving Inserts for Expert Metal Crafting.

WELCOME TO ONMY Tools

ONMY Tooling has been providing specialist precision carbide insert services for more than 10 years. We manufacture on-site in China and deliver to the World over. We’re the OIL&GAS/INDUSTRY insert experts…

Why Choose ONMY Carbide Insert Factory

At the forefront of precision machining, choosing the right carbide insert factory is essential. As a leading carbide insert supplier in China, we offer unparalleled quality and expertise in the field of cutting tools.

By choosing ONMY Tools, you’re not just selecting a carbide insert supplier; you’re choosing a partner dedicated to elevating your manufacturing capabilities. As your trusted carbide insert factory and supplier in China, we are here to provide you with top-quality products and services that propel your success. Let us be your choice for excellence in Chinese carbide inserts and CNC insert manufacturing.

Unmatched Quality from a Trusted Carbide Insert Factory

Our commitment at ONMY Tools, a distinguished carbide insert factory, is to deliver exceptional quality. We utilize premium-grade materials and state-of-the-art technology to ensure our carbide inserts meet the highest standards of durability and performance.

Comprehensive Product Range from a Leading Carbide Insert Supplier

With an extensive array of products including turning inserts, milling inserts, grooving inserts, parting inserts, and specialized Pulley V inserts, we are your one-stop carbide insert supplier. Our diverse selection caters to all your machining needs, ensuring optimum solutions for any application.

Expertise in Customization

Understanding that unique machining tasks require tailored solutions, we specialize in custom-made special inserts. As your dedicated carbide insert supplier, we collaborate with you to develop specialized inserts that achieve your specific requirements, ensuring precision in every task.

Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities

Our position as a leading CNC insert manufacturer in China enables us to leverage cutting-edge manufacturing practices. The integration of advanced CNC technology in our production processes ensures that each carbide insert we produce stands at the pinnacle of innovation and efficiency.

Competitive Pricing

We understand the importance of cost efficiency. By streamlining our manufacturing processes and utilizing the robust supply chain of carbide inserts in China, we offer competitively priced products without compromising on quality.

Unparalleled Expertise and Support

Our expertise as CNC insert manufacturers is complemented by our commitment to customer support. We offer knowledgeable advice and guidance on selecting the perfect carbide inserts for your operations, ensuring you get the most out of our products.

Global Reach with a Local Touch

As a carbide insert supplier with roots in China, we provide our international clientele with the attentive service and logistical efficiency of a local business. No matter where you are in the world, you can count on us for timely service and support.

Commitment to Sustainability

Embracing our responsibility towards the environment, we incorporate sustainable practices in our operations. Choosing us means supporting eco-friendly manufacturing in the domain of Chinese carbide inserts.

Our Happy Clients From 30+ Countries

James King

Factory owner

"I've been in the precision metal fabrication business for over a decade, and finding the right thread inserts for metal has always been a challenge. Since switching to ONMY's thread inserts, I've noticed a remarkable improvement in our products' finish and durability. The precision and quality of these inserts are unparalleled. It's not just a part of our inventory; it's a pivotal part of our success story. These thread inserts fit perfectly and perform impeccably even in the most demanding applications. I would recommend them to any professional who won't settle for anything less than the best in the market."

"As a seasoned machinist, I've worked with various types of carbide inserts, but none have performed as consistently as these tungsten carbide inserts. Their durability is exceptional, and they maintain an edge far longer than others I've used. Particularly, the square carbide inserts and round carbide inserts have revolutionized our milling process, offering precision that is second to none. They are a game-changer in the industry, and I've seen a significant increase in efficiency and a decrease in downtime since making the switch. This company doesn't just supply carbide inserts; they deliver a promise of quality and reliability."

Joanna Foxx

Seasoned machinist

Felicity Trump

CNC Tool Dealer

"In our precision manufacturing shop, we rely heavily on the finest tools to deliver impeccable results. We've used a variety of thread mill inserts, but none compare to the exceptional quality we've experienced with these products. The milling inserts have proven to deliver smooth and precise cuts, reducing our machine downtime significantly. As for the turning inserts, they have withstood the test of continuous use, offering unparalleled durability and precision. Lastly, their thread whirling capabilities have been instrumental in our ability to tackle complex threading tasks with ease and accuracy. Truly, these tools have elevated the standard of our work, and we are beyond satisfied with their performance."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are carbide inserts used for?

Carbide inserts are primarily used in metalworking for various machining processes due to their hardness, wear resistance, and ability to retain a cutting edge at high temperatures. Here’s a closer look at the applications where carbide inserts are used:

Turning Operations: In lathes, carbide inserts are used to remove material from a rotating workpiece to shape and size it. This can include both external and internal turning processes.
Milling Operations: They are employed in milling machines or machining centers to remove material from a stationary workpiece with a rotating cutting tool.
Drilling Operations: Carbide inserts are used in drill bits for creating holes in workpieces.
Boring Operations: They’re instrumental in enlarging and finishing holes that have already been drilled.
Threading and Tapping: Inserts are designed for cutting threads on the inside (tapping) or outside (thread milling) of a workpiece.
Parting and Grooving: Specialized carbide inserts are used to create narrow grooves in a workpiece or to cut off parts of material.
Face Milling Operations: They are applied in face milling tools to generate flat surfaces.
Gear Cutting: Some inserts are specially designed for cutting gears.
Finishing Operations: Fine-grained carbide inserts are used for finishing operations where high-quality surface finishes are required.
Heavy Roughing: Carbide inserts with tough substrates and strong edges are used for heavy roughing applications where high material removal rates are necessary.

The diversity of carbide inserts—available in numerous shapes, sizes, and coatings—enables them to be tailored for specific materials and cutting conditions, making them versatile tools in the machining industry. They are commonly used in manufacturing sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and metal fabrication.

How are tungsten carbide insert tips manufactured?

Manufacturing tungsten carbide insert tips involves a complex process that combines material science, powder metallurgy, and precision engineering. Here’s a simplified overview of the steps involved in producing these robust cutting tools:

1. Material Preparation

Tungsten carbide inserts are made from a composite material comprising tungsten carbide (WC) and a binder metal such as cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni). Initially, these materials are in powder form. The proportions of tungsten carbide and the binder determine the insert’s hardness and toughness.

2. Powder Mixing

The tungsten carbide powder is thoroughly mixed with the binder powder. This mixing process is critical for achieving a uniform distribution of the binder within the tungsten carbide, which is essential for the insert’s performance. Sometimes, other materials are added to enhance specific properties.

3. Compacting

The mixed powder is then compacted into a desired shape using a press. This process is known as cold pressing, and it occurs under very high pressure to ensure the powder is compacted tightly together. The resulting form is called a “green compact,” which is fragile and needs careful handling.

4. Sintering

After compaction, the green compact undergoes a sintering process. It is heated to a temperature below the melting point of the main component (tungsten carbide) but above the melting point of the binder metal. The binder melts and acts as a glue that cements the tungsten carbide particles together, transforming the compact into a dense, hard material. Sintering also results in significant shrinkage of the insert, which must be carefully controlled.

5. Post-Sintering Processes

After sintering, the inserts are strong and hard but may not meet the precise dimensions or finish required. Therefore, they undergo additional processes, including:

Trimming: To remove any excess material from the sintering process.
Grinding: To achieve the precise dimensions, fine finishes, and sharp cutting edges necessary for their application. This process uses diamond grinding wheels due to the extreme hardness of tungsten carbide.
Coating (Optional): To increase wear resistance and reduce friction, inserts may receive thin coatings of materials such as titanium nitride (TiN), titanium carbonitride (TiCN), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3) through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes.
Quality Inspection: Ensuring that the inserts meet all specifications for size, shape, and quality. This may involve visual inspections as well as measurements with precision instruments.

Conclusion

Tungsten carbide insert tips are the product of a detailed manufacturing process that requires precise control at every stage, from powder preparation to post-sintering finishing. The result is a tool that offers exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and cutting efficiency, essential for various machining operations.

Can you sharpen carbide inserts?

Carbide inserts are typically not sharpened after they are used because they are designed as indexable inserts. This means that once an edge becomes worn or chipped, the insert is rotated to use another edge, or it is replaced with a new one. The carbide material is extremely hard, making it difficult to sharpen without special equipment.

However, if you have specialty grinding equipment designed for working with carbide, such as a diamond grinding wheel, it is possible to sharpen certain types of carbide inserts. Here’s a general idea of how you might go about sharpening a carbide insert:

Identification: First, determine whether your insert can be sharpened. Some inserts have coatings that can be damaged or removed by sharpening.
Equipment: If you decide to proceed, you’ll need the proper grinding machine with a diamond wheel specifically designed to handle the hardness of carbide.
Setup: Make sure the grinding wheel is correctly mounted and dressed. The grinder should be set at the correct angle to restore the insert’s cutting geometry.
Coolant: Use ample coolant to reduce heat build-up, which can lead to micro-fractures and compromise the insert’s integrity.
Grinding: Carefully and lightly pass the insert against the wheel, following the original geometry and angle. Avoid excessive pressure that can cause chipping.
Inspection: After sharpening, inspect the insert for any signs of cracking or deformation.
Cleaning: Clean the insert thoroughly to remove any grinding dust or debris before using it.

The cost-effectiveness of sharpening carbide inserts must be considered. In many cases, the time and resources spent on sharpening may outweigh the cost of replacing the insert, especially for mass production environments. Furthermore, reshaping an insert may affect its performance due to changes in geometry and the potential loss of any coating.

For those reasons, sharpening carbide inserts is typically reserved for specialty situations or custom applications rather than being a standard procedure.

How are carbide inserts made?

Carbide inserts are made through a precise and multi-step process that involves powder metallurgy and advanced manufacturing techniques. Here is an overview of the key stages in the production of carbide inserts:

1. Powder Preparation

The first step involves creating a fine powder mixture of tungsten carbide (WC) and a binder, usually cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni). Tungsten carbide provides the hardness and wear resistance, while the binder metal ensures toughness. Additional elements may be added to the powder to tailor the physical properties of the final product for specific applications.

2. Milling

The powder mixture undergoes ball milling, where it is mixed and ground for several hours to ensure homogeneity. This step is crucial for achieving the desired consistency and performance characteristics in the final product.

3. Compacting or Pressing

After milling, the powder is placed in a mold and compacted under high pressure to form a “green” insert. This process is typically done using either a hydraulic or mechanical press. The green insert has the shape of the final product but is still fragile and porous.

4. Pre-Sintering (Optional)

Some manufacturing processes include a pre-sintering stage, where the green inserts are heated at a lower temperature to remove any potential contaminants and to slightly increase their strength for easier handling during the sintering process.

5. Sintering

The green inserts are sintered in a furnace under a controlled atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 1300°C to 1500°C. During sintering, the binder metal melts and acts as a glue to bond the tungsten carbide particles together. The insert shrinks and densifies, acquiring its final strength, hardness, and wear resistance. The precise control of temperature, atmosphere, and time during sintering is crucial for the quality of the final product.

6. Post-Sintering Processing

After sintering, the inserts may undergo various post-processing steps, including:

Grinding: To achieve precise dimensions, specific profiles, and sharp edges.
Polishing: To enhance surface finish.
Coating: Many carbide inserts receive one or more thin, hard coatings, such as titanium nitride (TiN), to further improve their performance by reducing wear and friction. Techniques like Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) are commonly used for coating.

7. Quality Control

Throughout the manufacturing process, rigorous quality control measures are in place. After production, inserts undergo inspections for dimensions, material composition, and mechanical properties to ensure they meet the specified standards.

This manufacturing process allows carbide inserts to achieve the exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and toughness required for cutting, milling, turning, and various other machining operations.

How to grind carbide inserts?

Grinding carbide inserts is a specialized process because carbide is a very hard material. For the most part, the end-user doesn’t grind carbide inserts because they are designed to be indexable and disposable; when one edge wears out, the insert is either rotated to use another edge or replaced entirely. However, there are some scenarios, like in custom or special machining applications, where one may need to re-grind carbide inserts.

If you need to grind carbide inserts, here’s what you typically need and how to approach it:

Essential Tools:

A precision grinding machine with a very rigid setup.
A diamond grinding wheel specifically designed to grind tungsten carbide.
Coolant system to keep the insert and wheel cool during grinding to prevent thermal damage.

Process:

Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and follow the machine’s safety recommendations.
Proper Wheel Selection: Use the correct diamond grinding wheel for the carbide material and consider the bond type, grit size, and concentration.
Wheel Dressing: Dress the wheel appropriately before starting and periodically during the grinding process to maintain the cutting efficiency of the wheel.
Insert Mounting: Securely mount the insert to be ground. The setup should prevent any movement or vibration during the grinding process.
Coolant: Use an appropriate coolant to minimize heat buildup that can damage the carbide or the diamond wheel. The coolant also helps remove ground material from the work area.
Grinding Angle: Set the correct angle and position for the insert to match the desired edge geometry. This may require specific fixtures or jigs.
Surface Contact: The wheel should contact the insert at the correct angle, lightly touching the part. Avoid excessive pressure as it might chip the carbide.
Multiple Passes: Use multiple light passes to achieve the final dimensions or sharpness desired. Taking away too much material at once can damage both the insert and the wheel.
Constant Inspection: Frequently inspect the insert for the desired finish and geometry and to ensure there are no signs of overheating or cracking. You may use a magnifying tool or microscope for inspection.
Final Touches: Finish off with a finer grit wheel if necessary to achieve the desired surface finish on the cutting edges.
Cleaning: Clean the insert thoroughly after grinding to remove any carbide and diamond dust.

It’s important to note that not all inserts are suitable for regrinding and doing so can affect their performance due to changes in geometry and the removal of any protective coatings. Furthermore, without proper equipment and expertise, attempting to grind carbide inserts can be costly and time-consuming. It is often more economical to replace them with new ones unless the insert is for a highly specialized application.

How to identify carbide inserts?

Identifying carbide inserts involves understanding the various coding and classification systems used by manufacturers to specify the characteristics of their products. These codes typically provide information about the insert’s shape, application, material, coating, and other critical features. Here’s a basic guide on how to decode these identifiers:

1. Shape and Relief Angle

The first part of the insert’s code usually refers to the geometric shape (e.g., triangle, square, rhombus) and the relief angle. Common shapes have specific letter codes, such as:

C for 80° diamond (rhombic)
D for 55° diamond
R for round
S for square
T for triangle

2. Tolerance and Size

Following the shape classification, there is typically a designation for the insert’s tolerance and size. Tolerance codes indicate the manufacturing tolerances of the insert’s dimensions, which can affect the insert’s suitability for precision applications. Size is often given as a number representing either the inscribed circle diameter (for round inserts) or the edge length for other shapes.

3. Type of Insert Hole (if any) and Cutting Edge Length

Some inserts have a hole for mounting, and the code might include letters or numbers indicating the presence and type of this hole. The cutting edge length or the insert thickness might also be encoded.

4. Chipbreaker Type

Many inserts include a chipbreaker design, which is crucial for managing the chips produced during cutting. The code might include specific letters or numbers indicating the type of chipbreaker.

5. Material and Coating

The insert material and any coatings are also specified. Material codes designate the base carbide composition and are crucial for selecting an insert for a given material or cutting condition. Common coatings (like Titanium Nitride – TiN, Aluminum Oxide – Al2O3) have their specific codes as well.

6. Manufacturer-Specific Coding

On top of these general coding conventions, manufacturers often include their unique identifiers and series names that provide additional information or denote specific product lines.

How to Identify When Unsure:

Manufacturer’s Catalog: Many manufacturers provide detailed catalogs (often online) that explain their coding systems and allow you to match specific codes to insert types.
Manufacturer’s Website or Support: Visiting the manufacturer’s website or contacting their support team can provide direct information about an insert.
Comparison: Visually compare the insert against known samples or images from catalogs. This can help with identifying shape, size, and potentially even material or coating based on color and finish.

Properly identifying carbide inserts is essential for ensuring they are matched correctly to both the workpiece material and the intended machining operation. Misidentification can lead to suboptimal performance, increased tool wear, or damage to the workpiece.

How to measure carbide inserts?

Measuring carbide inserts correctly is crucial for ensuring they fit the tool holder accurately and perform the desired machining operations effectively. There are several dimensions you may need to measure:

IC (Inscribed Circle Size): This is applicable to inserts that are round, triangular, square, etc. It’s the diameter of the largest circle that can fit within the insert’s edges.
Thickness (T): The distance from the bottom to the top surface of the insert.
Nose Radius (R): If the insert has a rounded cutting point, this is the radius of that curve, which affects the finish of the cut.
Length (L) and Width (W): For rectangular inserts, these are the lengths of the sides. For others, it may refer to the distance from corner to corner.
Corner Angle: The angle of the cutting corners for inserts that are not round.

How to Measure These Dimensions:

Using Calipers:

Digital calipers are commonly used to measure inserts. Here’s how you would measure each dimension:

IC: Place the calipers across the insert to measure the inscribed circle.
Thickness: Close the caliper’s jaws over the thickest part of the insert, which is typically the center.
Nose Radius: Use the calipers or a radius gauge to measure the curve at the tip of the insert.
Length & Width: Place the calipers along the edges to measure the length and width.

Using Micrometers:

Micrometers provide more accurate measurements than calipers and can be used where precision is critical.

Thickness: Use an outside micrometer to measure from the bottom to the top of the insert.
Length, Width & IC: Measure between appropriate faces to get the length or width. For inscribed circle size, measure across the insert diagonally.

Using Manufacturer’s Specifications:

If available, refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the insert size. The code on the insert often includes this information, as explained in the identification step.

Specialty Tools:

Some dimensions may require specialty measuring tools or gauges. For example, a radius gauge may be necessary to measure the nose radius accurately.

Optical Comparators and CMMs:

For large-scale or very precise measurements, tools such as optical comparators or Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) can be used.

Other Considerations:

Edge Wear: Measure the dimensions in a few places to account for potential edge wear.
Safety: Ensure that you handle the inserts carefully, particularly if they have sharp edges.

When measuring, keep in mind the tolerances and the margin of error of your measuring device, and ensure to keep the instruments calibrated for consistent and accurate readings. In a professional setting, these dimensions are often dictated by the insert’s standard specifications (ANSI or ISO codes), which will match the designated measurements.

What are carbide inserts?

Carbide inserts are replaceable and usually indexable bits of cemented carbide used in machining steels, cast iron, high-temperature alloys, and nonferrous materials. They serve as one of the most critical components in many types of industrial tools and machinery.
Carbide inserts are used in manufacturing because they can withstand higher temperatures than high speed steel, providing an extended cutting life. They are designed to provide faster machining and withstand interrupted cuts.
Here are some key characteristics and uses of carbide inserts:

Material: They are typically made from tungsten carbide, a very tough material that can withstand high temperatures and is highly resistant to wear. This allows the inserts to maintain a sharp cutting edge even when machining tough materials.

Design: Most carbide inserts are indexable, meaning they have more than one cutting edge. When one edge wears out, the insert can be turned around to use another edge. This design can significantly increase the life of a single insert.

Application: Carbide inserts are widely used in cutting tools for the metalworking industry, in lathes, milling machines, and CNC machines. They can handle a wide range of machining tasks, including turning, boring, threading, and grooving.

Varieties: They come in various shapes (e.g., round, square, triangle) to suit different kinds of cutting tasks. They may also come with various coatings that can further extend their life and improve their performance.

Accessibility: They are replaceable. Once the cutting edges of a carbide insert are worn or damaged, instead of discarding the entire tool, you can just replace the insert.

Production Efficiency: Carbide inserts offer improved production rates, better finishes on parts, and they can hold size with better accuracy.

Note that while carbide is a hard material and can handle various machining tasks effectively, it’s also quite brittle. Therefore, carbide inserts might not be the best choice for applications with high mechanical shock or vibration.

What is an inscribed circle related to carbide inserts?

The Inscribed Circle (IC) is a key dimension related to carbide inserts, particularly in the context of their size and shape classification. Essentially, it is the diameter of the largest circle that can fit entirely within the boundaries of the insert’s shape. This measurement is important because it provides a standard way to categorize the size of the insert, regardless of its other dimensions or outer shape.

Carbide inserts come in various geometric shapes such as triangular, square, rhombic, and round. The inscribed circle measurement offers a way to compare these different shapes on a common basis:

For Triangle Inserts: The IC is the diameter of the largest circle that fits within the three points (corners) of the triangle.
For Square or Rhombic Inserts: The IC is determined by the largest circle that fits within the four points of the square or rhombus, effectively touching the midpoints of each side.
For Round Inserts: The IC corresponds to the diameter of the insert itself since a circle’s boundary fits perfectly around itself.

The IC is crucial for several reasons:

Tool Holder Compatibility: It helps in determining which inserts fit into specific tool holders or bore sizes.
Performance Considerations: The size of the IC can also impact the performance of the insert in terms of cutting forces and stability.
Standardization: It provides a standardized measure to discuss and compare inserts, facilitating easier identification and selection for specific applications.

In practical terms, when you’re selecting or discussing carbide inserts, mentioning the IC along with the insert’s shape code (indicative of the insert’s overall geometry) gives a clear picture of the insert’s size and how it might be used in machining operations. Understanding the IC is crucial for engineers, machinists, and tool managers for efficient and precise tool selection and inventory management.

How to choose carbide inserts?

Choosing the right carbide insert for your specific machining operation can have a significant impact on performance, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. Several factors should be considered while selecting carbide inserts:

Material to be Machined: The type of material you’re cutting greatly influences the choice of insert. For example, hardened steels may require a harder and more wear-resistant grade of carbide, whereas softer materials could benefit from a tougher insert that can withstand chip deformation without breaking.
Type of Operation: Different operations such as turning, milling, drilling, boring, or threading each have specific insert requirements. For instance, roughing operations might require an insert with a tougher grade and a larger nose radius, while finishing operations might need a harder grade with a sharp cutting edge and a smaller nose radius.
Machining Conditions: This includes cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and coolant availability. Higher cutting speeds and deeper cuts often require harder, more wear-resistant carbide grades.
Insert Shape: The shape of the insert should match the requirements of your specific application. For instance, round inserts provide the strongest cutting edge and are preferred for high-feed milling operations, while square or rhombic inserts provide more edges and are versatile across different operations.
Insert Size: The size of the insert (usually described by the inscribed circle diameter) needs to be compatible with your tool holder and should match the scale of your operation.
Insert Grade: The carbide grade should be chosen based on the material and the type of operation. A P-grade is often used for steel, M-grade for stainless steel, and K-grade for cast iron. Harder grades are generally more wear-resistant, while tougher grades can withstand more shock and vibration.
Coating Material: Coated carbide inserts can provide increased hardness, heat resistance, and longer tool life. However, the choice of coating will depend on the workpiece material and the machining conditions.
Chipbreaker Style: The style of the chipbreaker will depend on the material and type of operation. A chipbreaker helps in controlling the chip flow and direction. Some are designed for finishing operations while others are designed for roughing operations.

Remember, supplier catalogs and technical representatives can also be excellent resources when determining the best carbide insert for your application. Reach out to them with your specific requirements, and they can help guide you to an insert that will provide optimal performance.

What is a carbide turning insert?

A carbide turning insert is a detachable cutting tool used in turning operations on lathes and turning centers. These inserts are made from carbide, a very hard material that consists of tungsten carbide (WC) particles bonded together with a metal binder, typically cobalt (Co). Their primary function is to remove material from a rotating workpiece to shape and size it according to specifications.

Carbide turning inserts come in various shapes, sizes, and grades to suit different materials, cutting conditions, and machining processes. Here’s an overview of their characteristics and uses:

Characteristics:

Hardness and Wear Resistance: Carbide is significantly harder than the materials it cuts, providing excellent wear resistance and the ability to maintain a sharp cutting edge at high temperatures.
Material Specificity: Different grades of carbide are formulated to optimize performance across a range of materials, including steel, stainless steel, cast iron, non-ferrous metals, and exotic alloys.
Shape and Size: Common shapes include triangular, square, rhombic, and round, each offering different angles and numbers of cutting edges. The inscribed circle (IC) diameter is a key dimension that describes the size of the insert.
Coating: Many carbide inserts are coated with materials like Titanium Nitride (TiN), Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN), and Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) to enhance hardness, wear resistance, and reduce friction.

Uses:

External Turning: Shaping the external surface of the workpiece, including straight, tapered, and contoured sections.
Internal Turning (Boring): Enlarging and finishing holes or machining the inner surface of hollow workpieces.
Facing: Cutting a flat surface perpendicular to the workpiece’s rotational axis.
Thread Cutting: Producing internal or external threads.
Grooving and Parting: Cutting narrow grooves or separating a part from the rest of the workpiece.

Selection Factors:

When choosing a carbide turning insert, consider:

The material of the workpiece: Different materials require different carbide grades and coatings.
The type of turning operation: Specific shapes and edge preparations optimize performance in roughing, finishing, and other operations.
Machining conditions: Cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut influence the grade and geometry of the insert.
Tool holder compatibility: The insert must fit the holder used on the machine.

Carbide turning inserts are crucial in modern manufacturing, offering high productivity and long tool life in a wide variety of turning applications. Their ability to perform at high cutting speeds and withstand challenging conditions makes them an essential tool in the metalworking industry.

How to read carbide inserts?

Reading carbide inserts involves understanding the alphanumeric codes inscribed on them. These codes provide essential information about the insert’s shape, size, thickness, tolerance, nose radius, and material grade, among other specifications. Let’s break down what these codes typically represent, so you can understand how to read carbide inserts:

1. Shape

The first character(s) usually denote the insert’s geometric shape. Common shapes include:

C (80° Diamond)
D (55° Diamond)
R (Round)
S (Square)
T (Triangle)
V (35° Diamond)

2. Relief Angle

The second character indicates the relief angle, which affects the strength of the cutting edge. Common angles include:

N (0°)
A (3°)
B (5°)
C (7°)
D (15°)
E (20°)
F (25°)
G (30°)

3. Tolerance & Insert Type

The third character often reflects both tolerance and type (whether the insert is for turning, milling, etc.). Each manufacturer might have specific codes for these properties.

4. Size

The fourth character typically represents the insert size, usually indicating the Inscribed Circle (IC) diameter, measured in increments based on the manufacturer’s system (e.g., millimeters or 1/8 inches).

5. Thickness

Following the size code, the next character denotes the thickness of the insert. This is also often based on a numbering system that may vary between manufacturers.

6. Cutting Edge Length or Shape

This part of the code could describe additional details about the cutting edge length or the specific shape features of the insert.

7. Nose Radius

This is usually represented by a two-digit number towards the end of the code, indicating the nose radius in millimeters or fractions of an inch. The nose radius affects the surface finish and strength of the cutting edge.

8. Chipbreaker Type

If present, this code identifies the chipbreaker geometry, which is crucial for effective chip control during cutting operations.

9. Insert Grade

Lastly, there’s often a separate code that indicates the insert’s material and coating, signifying the insert’s compatibility with different workpiece materials and cutting conditions.

It’s important to note that while there is a general framework for these codes, specifics can vary between manufacturers. Therefore, always refer to the manufacturer’s documentation to accurately interpret the coding on a carbide insert. Understanding these codes helps in selecting the appropriate insert for your machining needs, ensuring efficiency, longevity, and optimal performance in your operations.

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