The curved wiper edge sweeps over the machined surface again, making it possible to either double the feed rate and increase productivity by 100%, or to significantly improve the surface quality while maintaining the same feed rate.
With these new geometries, Walter is now transferring this effect from the existing FW5 and MW5 double-sided cutting inserts to indexable inserts with a positive basic shape. The result is the FW4 geometry with a narrow chip breaker for finishing operations and the MW4 geometry with an open chip breaker groove and longer wiper cutting edge radius for medium machining.
Both geometries are designed for universal application in ISO materials P, M and K, as well as for secondary applications in ISO S materials. Both the FW4 and MW4 geometries make it possible to achieve improved surface quality, productivity and process reliability thanks to the wiper edge with its curved design. This curved wiper design also helps when the machine is not aligned 100%, for example after a crash or if the turret is slightly offset.
The new chip breakers also increase the chip breaking range with higher feed rates, resulting in less machine downtime caused by birds nesting. Higher feed rates reduce machining times and therefore contact times, increasing tool life and reducing the number of tool changes. The combination of double the productivity and/or surface quality is particularly appealing for series manufacturers, as the aforementioned benefits are multiplied in series production.