Tooling list

[MarineMachinist]

I know I am not the only one that gets confused when it comes to indexable tooling and what insert to use for what operations. . . does anyone have a quick reference as to what to use when? Say I am cutting aluminum, what else can I use the same insert on? maybe one chart that shows insert "a" can be used on metals a, b, c and recommended feed/speed is xx/xx.

I do know that alot of this comes with experience and learning what works best for each situation, but I am looking to learn more about it before killing 10-15 dollar inserts in the process of learning.

If this has been asked and answered already, please point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

Brad

[golfnut]

Hi Marine machinist,
There is a lot of information on indexable insert tooling, and yes there are tables and charts for you to look at down load etc. Indexable tooling is categorised under ISO coding, each insert shape, thickness, no. cutting edges, cutting edge geometry etc etc is covered by ISO standards, do search on web for ISO cutting tools.
Just about every manufacturer displays these ISO tables, and for each and every insert type they make they will have recommendations for insert applications, cutting speeds and feeds, etc.
Tooling can split into 3 main disciplines; Turning, milling, drilling
It is unlikely you will have a need for indexable insert drilling tools unless you have production type machines as the speeds, feeds and power requirement are high and data has to be pretty much adhered to to avoid a expensive mess.
After the type of metal cutting type you will need to identify the range of material you will be machining as this also affects the choice of insert, not just shape but material type, cutting edge form etc. Again this is dictated by what equipment and power and available speeds and feeds you have on your machine.


Cutting metal is not difficult and basic metal cutting theory as applied to HSS or brazed tooling still applies. The difference is the pressed inserts make the cutting action for a given operation, material, machine etc far more predictable and controllable.

To answer your question there is a lot of information required before a particular insert can be recommended. Having said that for turning hobby work a basic insert shape could be a CNMG or CCMT which you can both turn and face. If the machine has little power you need low cutting forces and good chip control.

My background is Applications and Technical Engineer for a number of leading cutting tools manufacturers, including Mitsubishi, Kennametal, Iscar, Sandvik, etc etc.

If you require more in depth help please email me and I will do what I can to help. Cutting metal is like anything once you know what you are doing it's pretty easy but indexable insert application can also end in huge mess if not applied correctly. I hope this helps.

[MarineMachinist]

Golfnut,

Thank you! that helps alot. The reason for my confusion I think is that when I look at any of the major catalogs, There are just SO many options... for instance, looking at indexable threading inserts from Coromant corothread and there is a 84 page catalog for threading alone!

We are running manual lathe and Mill, but have a Colchester T8MS 5 axis lathe that is quite powerful. From my username, I am the senior machinist for my Marine Corps maintenance shop. We get a WIDE range of work, mostly get one off blueprint jobs that come around once every few months. majority of our work is either brass, steel, stainless and aluminum. Most of what we have been using on our manuals have been HSS tool blanks cut by the operator. We (Marine Corps) only recently turned to CNC so this is all fairly new.

I am working to build a tool cabinet with all of the inserts that we will be using the most of and don't want to waste money on unnecessary tooling.

Again, I appreciate your help!

Brad

[golfnut]

Hi Marine machinist,
There is a lot of information on indexable insert tooling, and yes there are tables and charts for you to look at down load etc. Indexable tooling is categorised under ISO coding, each insert shape, thickness, no. cutting edges, cutting edge geometry etc etc is covered by ISO standards, do search on web for ISO cutting tools.
Just about every manufacturer displays these ISO tables, and for each and every insert type they make they will have recommendations for insert applications, cutting speeds and feeds, etc.
Tooling can split into 3 main disciplines; Turning, milling, drilling
It is unlikely you will have a need for indexable insert drilling tools unless you have production type machines as the speeds, feeds and power requirement are high and data has to be pretty much adhered to to avoid a expensive mess.
After the type of metal cutting type you will need to identify the range of material you will be machining as this also affects the choice of insert, not just shape but material type, cutting edge form etc. Again this is dictated by what equipment and power and available speeds and feeds you have on your machine.


Cutting metal is not difficult and basic metal cutting theory as applied to HSS or brazed tooling still applies. The difference is the pressed inserts make the cutting action for a given operation, material, machine etc far more predictable and controllable.

To answer your question there is a lot of information required before a particular insert can be recommended. Having said that for turning hobby work a basic insert shape could be a CNMG or CCMT which you can both turn and face. If the machine has little power you need low cutting forces and good chip control.

My background is Applications and Technical Engineer for a number of leading cutting tools manufacturers, including Mitsubishi, Kennametal, Iscar, Sandvik, etc etc.

If you require more in depth help please email me and I will do what I can to help. Cutting metal is like anything once you know what you are doing it's pretty easy but indexable insert application can also end in huge mess if not applied correctly. I hope this helps.

[golfnut]

Hi Brad,
Sorry for the duplicate reply, I am new to the forum and back paged so I think it sent the reply again.
From what you are saying I would look for a series of inserts that machine a variety of materials. This will be a multi coated insert and all major manufacturers have them. They will cut anything from soft steel to stainless steel. Aluminium is different and if you machine a lot of it it may be worth while buying inserts designed for aluminium, otherwise use a general purpose insert with a relatively sharp cutting edge.
The same applies to threading grades. But re threading inserts there are two main types, Partial Profile and Full Profile.
The difference is with partial profile inserts one insert can cut a variety of thread pitches, but you have to control carefully the major dia for external threads and minor dia for internal threads.
Full form inserts cut the full form of the thread, so if the major dia is too big a spring pass down to size will bring the thread into spec. The problem with full form inserts is you require an insert for every thread pitch, but the upside is the thread form will be correct and to a high finish.

[MarineMachinist]

No problem, I fumbe around here too.

I will look into the multi coated inserts for what we do. We probably do an equal amount of mild steel and aluminum.

Thanks for your input! You are quite knowledgeable!

Brad

[Smrtman5]

Kennametal has designed a line called "KennaUniversal" Its kinda hidden on their website tho. They sell two main grades of turning. KU10T and KU30T, for finishing and roughing respectively. If you poke around, you can find the speed/feed suggestions for them too.

Ive had decent luck with KC730 as an all-purpose grade. Its heavy enough for roughing, but itll work for finishing too.

As far as shapes, CNMG432 for steels and I like the CNGP431 for aluminum. The higher rake gives better chip control.

[MarineMachinist]

Originally Posted by Smrtman5 Kennametal has designed a line called "KennaUniversal" Its kinda hidden on their website tho. They sell two main grades of turning. KU10T and KU30T, for finishing and roughing respectively. If you poke around, you can find the speed/feed suggestions for them too. Ive had decent luck with KC730 as an all-purpose grade. Its heavy enough for roughing, but itll work for finishing too. As far as shapes, CNMG432 for steels and I like the CNGP431 for aluminum. The higher rake gives better chip control.

Thanks Smrtman5. That's what I am looking for. I will look at ordering some of those.

Brad