Geometry improves grooving and turning performance

The new Beyond™ line of high-performance turning products from Kennametal launched at IMTS 2008 included 11 new grades for improved productivity in steel, stainless steels, and cast-iron applications. The A4 GUP geometry is available in the Beyond KCP10 and KCP25 grades for steel and the KCU10, KCU25, and KU10 grades for stainless steels and high-temperature alloys. All OD and ID grooving, turning, face grooving, plunging, undercutting, and profiling operations stand to benefit. Tests against competitive grades have shown speed increases from 10 to 30 per cent and feed and depth of cut increases from 10 to 20 per cent. “The current A4 GMN insert geometry for groove/turn applications typically leaves a bump in the bottom of the groove, requiring additional operations to clean up and finish,” said Will Wright, global product manager, threading/grooving/cutoff at Kennametal. “The new A4 GUP geometry eliminates this bump, which can improve productivity for makers of axles, bearings, valve bodies, and numerous automotive and aerospace components. Tool life and especially chip control are improved in steel, stainless, and high-temp applications.”