Carbide Indexable Inserts

carbide indexable inserts represent replaceable cutting tips used across metalworking operations like turning, milling and boring. This guide serves as an in-depth reference on carbide indexable inserts – exploring materials, geometry formats, coatings, specifications, comparative performance, costs, applications and more.

Overview of Carbide Indexable Inserts

Indexable carbide inserts comprise small cutting pieces with specialized shapes/coatings brazed onto tool holders for machining applications. Key attributes:

  • Composition: Tungsten or titanium carbide substrates (>85%)
  • Geometry: ISO standardized shapes and size dimensions
  • Coatings: Titanium nitride (TiN), titanium carbide (TiC) etc.
  • Indexing: Rotated to expose fresh cutting edges
  • Key traits: Hardness, wear resistance, heat tolerance

Offering extreme hardness and high hot hardness, indexable carbide inserts facilitate faster machining speeds, better finish quality and prolonged life versus high speed steel alternatives.

Grades of Carbide Indexable Inserts

The carbide composition determines thermal and mechanical behaviors:

Grade TypeDescriptionKey Properties
C2 & C6Straight tungsten carbidesGood impact strength
C4 & C5Mixed/complex carbidesEnhanced hardness and heat resistance
P GradesIntrinsic PVD coatingsOxidation protection at high cutting temps
M GradesCVD or MT-CVD coatingsBest all-around wear resistance

Table 1: Primary grade categories of carbide indexable inserts based on composition/coatings

Selecting the right balance of hardness, built-in coating types and application temperatures dictates grade choice for optimal tool life.

carbide indexable inserts

Insert Geometry Formats

Carbide inserts come in standardized ANSI and ISO dimensions and shapes:

Insert Style

ShapeDescriptionKey Applications
TriangleGeneral purpose turning, grooving, boring, partingMost common insert style
RhombicHigh feed milling, drilling, tappingUsed for milling cutters
SquareLow speed finishing to precision turningFit a range of cutter sizes
RoundBoring bars, grooving, partingMultipurpose insert type

Table 2A: Common indexable carbide insert geometries and applications

Size Parameters

DimensionSpecification
Inscribed CircleISO/ANSI defined sizes (e.g. IC328)
ThicknessAvailable in fine, medium and heavy pitch sizes
AnglesDetermined by insert shape
Edge PrepsChamfer, hone radius options

Table 2B: insert geometry dimensions, angles and edge specs

Standardized indexable insert dimensions, angles and edges enables interchangeable usage across various tool holders.

Insert Coatings

Protective coatings add lubricity and durability:

CoatingKey Attributes
Titanium carbide (TiC)Heat resistance to 1000°C Excellent wear protection
Titanium nitride (TiN)High surface hardness Color identification aids
Aluminum oxide (Al2O3)Insulating properties for high electrical/thermal fatigue resistance
Zirconium nitride (ZrN)Good galling protection Suitable for high edge loads

Table 3: Major types of specialty coatings applied to indexable carbide inserts

Coatings focus primarily on improving oxidation life, abrasion resistance and reducing coefficient of friction. Multiple layers combine strengths.

Specifications

Relevant quality metrics include:

StandardMeasureValues
ISO 1832Hardness88 to 93 HRA (1600-2,000 HV)
ISO 3685Transverse rupture strength2.5 GPA minimum
ISO 8688-2Fracture toughness7 MPa√m
ISO 13399Wear testing0.1mm flank wear in 25 minutes

Table 4: Indexable carbide insert certification specifications

Adhering to published quality thresholds ensures insert integrity, lineup consistency and reliable producer comparisons.

Leading Carbide Insert Manufacturers

Top global suppliers include:

CompanyBrand NamesPrice Range
KennametalKC, MP$4 – $15 per insert
Sandvik CoromantGC, LC$5 – $20+ per insert
IscarIC, Sumo$3 – $18 per insert
Kyocera UnimercoSTGCR, ALTUR$2 – $12 per insert
TungaloyTLN, TDN$4 – $16 insert dependent

Table 5: Major indexable carbide insert brands and price ranges

Prices vary based on insert geometries, grades, purchase volumes and tool types. Advanced coating and complex compositions command premiums.

Metal Cutting Applications

Indexable carbide facilitates world-class machining productivity:

ProcessBenefits Over HSS
TurningHigher surface speeds and feeds boost output 2-3x
MillingImproved finishes, complex geometries
DrillingExcellent burr and residual stress control
TappingProlong tap life, precision internal threads

Industries

  • Automotive: Engine blocks, driveshafts, valves
  • Aerospace: Structural components, landing gear, hydraulics
  • Medical: Orthopedic implants, devices, tooling
  • Die/mold: Polished surfaces, reliable dimensions

Table 6: Broad usage of indexable carbide inserts across manufacturing

Indexable carbide enables holding tighter tolerances, extending production runs between tool changes and machining challenging superalloys over high speed or carbon tool steels.

Comparative Pros and Cons

Advantages vs SteelTradeoffs
2x – 5x tool lifeHigher per insert cost
Faster speeds/feeds possibleAdvanced technical understanding required
Pre-engineered geometriesLimited very large part rigidity currently
Improved surface finishesHigher initial toolholder investment

Table 7: Primary benefits and challenges using indexable carbide inserts

The extreme hardness, built-in edge preps and standardized approach facilitates reliable scaling of moderate batch manufacturing. Coatings continue advancing wear protection at elevated temperatures.

carbide indexable inserts

Indexable Carbide Insert FAQs

Q: What factors affect indexable carbide insert replacement cycles?

A: Speeds/feeds, workpiece material, cut depth, machine tool rigidity and coolant regimen primarily determine effective insert lifetime before rotating/replacing.

Q: What is the difference between indexable and solid carbide tools?

A: Indexable employs replaceable inserts brazed into toolholders saving re-grinding time. Solid carbide makes entire toolbody from carbide costing 2-4x more.

Q: Are ceramic inserts a replacement for carbide inserts?

A: Ceramics serve high speed niche applications given brittleness limitations. Carbide spans more general machining purpose with standardization around geometries, tooling and techniques.

Q: How do I measure and diagnose causes of insert wear or failure?

A: Inspection of flank/crater wear patterns, edge breakdowns, fracture surfaces and discoloration reveals predominant wear mechanisms guiding corrective action like speeds, feed tuning.

Conclusion

Carbide indexable inserts deliver enhanced machining productivity over high speed steel while minimizing tool regrinds through standardized geometries and replacement approaches – facilitating improved output across turned components to precision dies. Please reach out regarding any questions on insert grade selection, technical coaching or cost optimizations for your manufacturing lines.

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