Versatile Sumitomo T1500A turning insert proves one tough cutter
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Sumitomo T1500A is an uncoated cermet turning insert developed to produce precise dimensional accuracy and ultra-high quality mirror finishes on steel. However, it can also be used for medium duty and light interrupted cutting cycles due to its enhanced fracture resistance.
Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal says the T1500A insert has a sharp but very smooth cutting edge and its microstructure makes it hard and tough, and resistant to thermal cracking. As a result it has great versatility in turning at medium cutting speeds between 50 and 300 m/min using feedrates between 0.1 and 0.3 mm/rev.
Cermets are mainly composed of titanium and contain small amounts of tungsten. They are able to generate ultra-fine surface finishes in high precision machining of steel helped by the low adhesion characteristics of the cutting material. The four types of 'hard phase' used in Sumitomo T1500A produce an optimally balanced cermet alloy that also maximises the low chemical affinity levels to steel and gives it a high resistance to oxidation.
Available with a selection of negative and positive chip breaker styles, the T1500A inserts can be specified in square (with or without centre hole), diamond, triangle and trigon type.
In a recent machining demonstration producing a 15CrMo5 steel shaft running at 200 m/min, 0.25 mm/rev feed using coolant, reports Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal, the DNMG 150608NSU T1500A insert produced 900 components. This was three times more than other cermets in the demonstration which failed under cutting conditions due to deterioration of the surface of the component.
