A carbide insert for turning is a small, replaceable cutting tool made of tungsten carbide and a binder like cobalt. It’s used in machines like CNC lathes to precisely cut and shape metal or other materials. Key features include a multi-edged geometric shape, the ability to work faster and provide a better finish, and being replaceable rather than requiring sharpening.
Composition and manufacturing
- Materials: Inserts are made from a mix of tungsten, carbon, silicon, and a metallic binder such as cobalt or nickel.
- Manufacturing: These materials are pressed into a die, sintered in a high-temperature oven, and often coated with additional materials to enhance performance.
Key characteristics
- Cutting edges: Inserts have multiple cutting edges, which allows for efficient material removal and precision.
- Replaceable: When a cutting edge becomes dull, the insert is replaced with a new one instead of being sharpened.
- Geometric shapes: Inserts are available in a variety of shapes, such as round, square, and diamond, with different angles and radii to suit different operations.
- Coatings: Coatings are applied to prevent wear, reduce friction, and prevent the workpiece material from sticking to the cutting edge, which helps ensure a clean finish.
Applications
- Materials: They are used for cutting various materials, including steel, cast iron, high-temperature alloys, and non-ferrous metals.
- Machining operations: Inserts are essential for a wide range of machining tasks, including turning, milling, drilling, boring, grooving, and threading.
How to choose an insert
- Geometry: Choose an insert with a geometry suitable for the specific operation, such as finishing.
- Angle and size: Select the largest possible nose angle and radius for strength, and the correct insert size based on the depth of cut.
- Grade and coating: The grade and coating of the insert depend on the material being cut and the desired performance.
