“Our double-sided KBH10B and KBH20B grade inserts are an excellent choice for high-volume production of hardened gears, shafts, bearings, housings and other drivetrain components, where tooling cost per part is an important metric,” says Robert Keilmann, product manager - turning.
Polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PcBN) mini-tipped inserts have long been recognised as a good option for reducing part costs when turning hardened steel components. Kennametal’s latest PcBN grade inserts improve upon that value proposition by claiming to deliver increased productivity with a lower cost per part.
Features include a patented ceramic binder structure and TiN/TiAlN/TiN coating that provides high levels of wear resistance, even at elevated cutting speeds, says Kennametal. A gold PVD coating makes it easy to identify when an insert needs indexing, while the numbered corners ensure that a machine operator does not inadvertently switch to a used edge.
Two edge preparations in a ‘trumpet’ style hone allow for heavier and interrupted cuts, along with a light hone for continuous turning. Both are free-cutting, further extending tool life and generating surface finishes down to 0.2 Ra.
The PcBN mini tips are offered in four insert shapes – three rhomboidal and one triangular – which means up to six cutting edges per insert.
