Sliding-head turning inserts break new ground

The F32 geometry D-style insert is breaking new ground in sliding-head machining. While not normally an option on sliding-head machines, the DNGU style insert features a negative insert style but, due to its ground edge and specially designed geometry, users can still take large cuts at high speed without putting too much pressure on the either the cutting edge, or the machine and component. The inserts have small corner radii of 0.08 mm and 0.15 mm, which is of tremendous help in reducing pressure on the insert and workpiece when compared to those encountered when using pressed inserts. In addition, the smaller radii also ensure that the cutting forces are axial rather than radial. This, combined with the geometry, grade and tool coatings, ensures increased tool life. The inserts are available with a choice of TiN or TiAlN coatings, making them suitable for a wide range of applications including cutting steel, stainless and super alloys. By switching to a negative insert style users are able to reduce tooling costs, because each insert has four cutting edges as opposed to the two found on positive inserts of this style. A further advantage is the chipbreaker profile, which provides an extremely sharp cutting edge – made possible in part by the K30-grade substrate. Because of the negative design and the small corner radii these inserts are only suitable for use in the correct holders supplied by WNT (UK). These toolholders are also manufactured with greater clearance and to tighter tolerances.