Interstate Carbide Turning Inserts

Carbide turning inserts are cutting tools used on lathes and other machine tools to accurately and efficiently remove material from workpieces to create precision parts. Interstate carbide inserts refer to inserts made from tungsten or titanium carbide composites for exceptional hardness and wear resistance properties. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of interstate carbide turning inserts covering application scope, types, selection factors, specifications, usage recommendations, prices, suppliers, FAQs, and more.

Types of Interstate Carbide Turning Inserts

There are several criteria to classify carbide inserts based on ISO standards for tip shape, chipbreaker, tolerance, coating material etc. Common types of interstate carbide inserts include:

Insert TypeDescriptionApplications
PositiveSingle-sided insert with positive rake angle suitable for most materialsGeneral purpose roughing and finishing of steels, stainless steels, cast iron etc.
NegativeDouble-sided insert with negative rake angle for free cuttingFinishing inserts for aluminum, brass, plastics, composites
ChamferedInsert corner is chamfered for strengthHeavy roughing cuts in steels
RadiusedInsert corner is rounded to a specific radiusFinishing inserts for fine surface finish requirements
TangentialTop face of insert oriented at an angle (lead angle) to create shearing actionDifficult-to-cut materials like stainless steels, super alloys, hardened steels
ChipbreakerIndentations or grooves on rake face to facilitate chip flowMost insert types to break the chips for easier chip handling

The vast range of carbide insert grades and geometries available are optimized for specific workpiece materials and machining operations. Selecting the right insert depends on parameters like – material type, hardness, desired surface finish, depth of cut, feed rate, cutting speed etc.

Interstate Carbide Insert Application Scope

Carbide turning inserts find ubiquitous use in metal cutting applications across industry sectors. Materials cut using carbide inserts include:

  • Steels – mild, alloy, tool, die, stainless, cast iron
  • Exotic alloys – titanium, hastelloy, waspaloy, inconel, monel
  • Non-ferrous – aluminum, brass, bronze
  • Plastics, composites
  • Woods

Operations performed with carbide turning inserts:

  • Roughing – removal of bulk material
  • Facing – squaring a surface
  • Profiling – complex shapes
  • Grooving – cutting grooves
  • Parting – separating workpieces
  • Boring – enlarging holes
  • Threading
  • Finishing – final sizing and finishes

Carbide inserts boost productivity in key machining application areas:

IndustryComponents Machined
AutomotiveEngine blocks, axles, gears, shafts, valves, cylinders
AerospaceStructural forgings, castings, landing gear parts, turbine blades
General EngineeringShafts, valves, couplings, bushings
Construction/MiningBucket teeth, crusher wear parts, excavator components
AgriculturePlough discs, cultivator points
Lumber/WoodworkingCutting tools
interstate carbide turning inserts

Carbide Insert Selection Factors

Choosing the best carbide insert depends on numerous parameters pertaining to the workpiece, machining operation, equipment capabilities and product requirements.

Considerations for Carbide Insert Selection

ConsiderationOptionsImpact on Insert Selection
Workpiece MaterialAlloy steels, tool steels, stainless steel, Inconel, titanium, aluminum alloys, gray cast iron etc.Harder work materials require physical properties like
Higher wear resistance
Greater toughness
Ability to resist deformation
Type of Machining OperationTurning operations like
Light roughing
Heavy interrupted cutting
Fine finishing
Profiling
Grooving
Boring etc.
Operation parameters require compatible insert geometries/grades for
Positive/negative rake angles
Custom chamfers/edge preps
Ceramic or CBN grades for best surface finish
Hardness of Workpiece MaterialSoft forgings, annealed parts Hardened billets, flame or induction hardened parts Through-hardened material Case-hardened parts etc.With increasing hardness:
Need higher hot hardness 
Must resist abrasive wear
Require greater toughness
Important to match hardness level
Machine Tool Rigidity and Available PowerEngine lathe (7-10 HP)
Large CNC lathe (>15 HP) production machine
Higher machine power and stiffness increases depth of cut capability enabling:
Use of stronger insert grades
Heavier depth of cuts
More aggressive feed rates
Required Depth of CutFinishing passes (~0.010″) Roughing passes (~0.060-0.200″) Heavy hogging (~0.200-0.400″)With larger depth of cuts:
Insert strength becomes vital
Must resist higher cutting pressures
Alleviate increased heat generation
Required Feed RatesLow/medium/high feed ratesHigher feeds place more mechanical stresses needing:
Stronger insert geometries
More fracture-resistant substrates/coatings
Careful attention to depth of cuts
Cutting SpeedsWorkpiece material-specific recommended SFM cutting speedsMatching speeds balances forces between:
Optimizing material removal
Managing heat generation
Preventing rapid wear modes
Required Surface FinishTypical turning surface finishes from:
125-250 microinches Ra roughing
63-125 microinches Ra semi-finishing
32-63 microinches Ra finishing
8-16 microinches Ra super finishing
Finer surface finishes need inserts engineered with:
Finer grain carbides
Sharp cutting edge radii
Optimized edge preps/chamfers
Advanced coatings/geometries
Type of Coolant UsedEmulsions, water-based or straight oilsProper coolant selection ensures:
Heat and chip flushing at insert/work interface
Adequate insert lubrication
No work material incompatibility
Chip Control RequirementsLong continuous chips, short discontinuous chipsInsert chip control features help:
Break up long gummy chips
Quickly curl chips to evacuate
Prevent chip welding/re-cutting
Preferred Insert ShapeSquare, diamond, round, triangular, inserted tip cutter etc.Insert tip shape chosen based on:
Type of machining operation
Approach angle requirements
Desire for added edge strength
System-level cutting tool considerations

Interstate Carbide Insert Specifications

Carbide inserts have detailed ISO specifications encompassing various physical attributes. Below are some key insert specifications to understand when sourcing inserts.

Insert Dimension References

ParameterDefinition
Nose radius – Radius of curvature on insert nose
Tip GeometryLead angle – Angle of nose inclination to workpiece
Rake angles – Top/side rake angles
Thickness – Thickness along inclination axis
Functional DimensionsLength/Width – Functional cutting dimensions
Hole diameter – Clamping screw fit
Nose height – Height position of insert tip
Grade – Manufacturer grade designation
IdentificationShape – Standard tip shape code
Tolerance class – ISO dimensional and form tolerance class

Coating Types

CoatingDescription
TiNTitanium nitride coating for high hardness and temperature resistance
TiCNTitanium carbonitride coating with improved wear over TiN
TiAlNTitanium aluminum nitride coating with highest hardness and oxidation resistance
Al2O3Aluminum oxide ceramic coating for high toughness and lubricity
DLCDiamond-like carbon coatings for extremes of wear, friction and corrosion resistance

Resources are available to cross-reference specifications across inserts from various manufacturers. ISO standards help enable interchangeability of inserts across tooling systems.

Carbide Insert Usage Recommendations

Here are some best practices to follow when using carbide turning inserts for optimal tool life and machining performance:

  • Select insert grade based on hardness and toughness required for material
  • Ensure insert shape, lead angles, rake angles suit cutting operation
  • Use inserts with chipbreakers whenever possible for better chip control
  • Choose inserts with radii/chamfers for strengthened cutting edges
  • Apply correct insert clamping torque for secure holding
  • Strictly adhere to insert handling instructions to prevent chipping
  • Store inserts safely in original packaging when not in use
  • Use recommended insert feed rates, speeds, and depths of cut
  • Employ proper machine cooling and lubrication
  • Inspect inserts periodically for flank wear, crater wear etc.
  • Replace worn inserts for dimensional accuracy and surface finish
  • Consider reusable indexable inserts to minimize costs
  • Use inserts rated for most challenging operation parameters for flexibility

Work with carbide insert experts and machine manufacturers to optimize insert selection, tooling systems, and machining parameters.

Price Range of Carbide Inserts

Carbide Insert Price Ranges

Insert GradePrice per Insert
C1 to C4 (Straight Carbides)$8 – $225
C5, C6 (Coated Grades)$12 – $280
Ceramic, CBN, DiamondOver $300

Key Price Drivers

  • Carbide substrate and binder – cobalt/nickel alloys pricier
  • Coating type/thickness – TiAlN costlier than TiN
  • Geometry complexity – positives cheaper than negatives
  • Tighter tolerances mean higher cost
  • Full face contact inserts pricier than triangular inserts
  • Micron grain sizes and uniform carbide costly
  • Reputable brand inserts cost more
  • Specialized grades much higher priced
  • Minimum order quantities affect per insert rate

Carbide inserts can seem expensive but enable vastly increased metal removal rates and tool life versus high speed steel. Payback period can be as little as weeks/months with carbide’s productivity benefits. Consider total operational cost versus just insert cost.

interstate carbide turning inserts

Suppliers of Interstate Carbide Inserts

All major cutting tool manufacturers offer carbide inserts. Some leading interstate suppliers include:

CompanyGrades OfferedUSP
KennametalComplete grade rangeIndustry pioneers in insert technology
Sandvik CoromantExtensive coverageLeading innovations in coatings, geometries
IscarPrecision carbide insertsVery diverse insert styles
KyoceraAdvanced ceramics focusUnbeatable performance in niches
ValeniteStandard commercial insertsCost-effective general purpose inserts
Garr ToolMade in USADomestic alternative reducing lead times
Mitsubishi MaterialsivariousgradesSignificant presence across segments
OSG USAApplication-specific insertsEmphasizes total tooling solutions

Interstate inserts are readily available through industrial distributors like MSC Direct, McMaster-Carr, Grainger as well global cutting tool distributors. Pricing is quite competitive across brands. Evaluate insert samples, technical services support, availability etc. besides price during supplier selection.

Installing and Using Carbide Inserts

Insert Installation Tips

StageGuidelines
Ensure insert shape matches pocket profile
Insert PreparationClear any debris/burrs from insert seating surfaces
Check insert for cracks, chipping before use
Select optimal insert clamping torque based on toolholder
Insert MountingEvenly tighten screws in sequence to specified torque
Ensure insert is fully seated against pocket surfaces
Test insert clamping by attempting to spin insert by hand

Insert Usage Guidelines

AspectInstructions
Always check machine coolant status before start
Machining SetupEnsure feeds/speeds programmed align with insert limits
Test cuts on sample material if unsure of parameters
Employ shortest project cutting lengths whenever possible
During OperationListen for inconsistent cutting noise indicating issues
Visually check chip flow and coolant stream
Stop machine if chatter, resonance or odd sounds occur
Allow machine to stop completely before measuring workpiece
Post OperationCarefully clean out swarf debris around toolholder
Inspect insert edge condition and measure for wear

Adhering to best practices when setting up tools, running jobs, and servicing can help realize full productivity from carbide inserts. Partner with tooling experts and machine builders to optimize processes.

Carbide Insert Maintenance

Periodic inspection and preventive maintenance completes the product lifecycle realization with carbide tooling.

AspectRecommended ActionsPurpose/Impact
Insert InspectionInspect cutting edges regularly for:
Chipping/fractures
Built-up edge (BUE)
Flank wear/crater wear
Find issues like edge damage, wear early and:
Avoid scrap parts
Improve tool life
Enhance process capability
Insert HandlingAlways handle inserts using:
Clean gloves
Protective trays
Original packaging
Careful handling prevents:
Insert chipping
Contamination leading to poor machining
Mixing up various insert grades
Insert StorageStore inserts with focus on:
Keeping in original packaging
First in – first out (FIFO) stock rotation
Clean, dry and stable conditions
Proper storage increases longevity by:
Preventing insert corrosion
Stopping debris damaging seats
Eliminating unused stock with FIFO
Insert DisposalUsed inserts should be disposed:
Per hazardous material procedures
Considering recycling options
End-of-life considerations:
Prevent injury from handling worn inserts
Extract maximum value from carbide inserts
Reduce industrial waste for sustainability

FAQ

Q: Are carbide inserts suitable for every material?

A: Carbide inserts are exceptionally versatile given the grades available today. However limitations exist for highly abrasive materials better addressed using ceramic or diamond inserts.

Q: Can worn carbide inserts be re-sharpened?

A: Indexable inserts are considered disposable tooling meant for replacement after useful life. Attempts to regrind or re-coat inserts rarely succeed.

Q: How long do carbide inserts last?

A: Carbide insert lifetime depends on work parameters. At optimal speeds and feeds, inserts average 45 to 90 minutes machining time before reaching wear limits. Rigorous applications may consume inserts faster.

Q: What causes premature insert failure?

A: Improper insert selection/use relative to work material/operation, underpowered machine tools, excessive/interrupted cuts, built-up edge, poor chip control, improper clamping, damaged tool holders etc.

Q: Should carbide inserts be stored in a freezer?

A: Freezing is not necessary. Simply keep inserts contamination and corrosion-free in a stable indoor environment away from temperature extremes.

Q: What are typical surface finishes from carbide inserts?

A: New sharp inserts can achieve 8 to 15 micron Ra finishes. As inserts wear, typical surface finishes are 15 to 25+ micron Ra for roughing and 25 to 60+ micron Ra for finishing.

know more Tungsten carbide

Share This Post:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Table of Contents

Most Popular

Get In Touch

Get in touch with us

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
On Key

Related Posts

Contact Truer Now

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.