PVD coating with aluminium oxide copes with rough challenge

The tough grade turning insert WSM30 has been developed to withstand the rigours of interrupted and heavy rough cutting of austenitic stainless and heat resistant alloys. It uses Walter’s innovative PVD coating with aluminium oxide, which maintains a precise cutting edge profile while protecting the carbide substrate from the resultant heat. Cutting edge profile is the critical factor in managing heat generation – rather than heat dissipation through swarf which is impossible on such materials. The greater edge definition allowed by PVD in comparison to CVD coating, coupled with the protective properties of aluminium oxide, therefore give WSM30 a significant advantage. The PVD aluminium oxide coating has been applied to develop new grades particular to grooving and parting applications that are widespread in the fluid transfer and aerospace industries.