How to choose correct turning insert

Turning insert geometry

​Turning geometries can be divided into three basic styles that are optimized for finishing, medium and roughing operations. The diagram shows the working area for each geometry based on acceptable chip breaking in relation to feed and depth of cut.

Roughing

High depth of cut and feed rate combinations. Operations requiring the highest edge security.

Medium

Medium operations to light roughing. Wide range of depth of cut and feed rate combinations.

Finishing

​​Operations at light depths of cut and low feed rates. Operations requiring low cutting forces.

ap
inch	mm​	​	​
			Feed fn
			mm
			inch

The above example illustrates the offer for steel—there are other options available for all material groups.

Turning wiper geometry

Use wiper inserts for improved surface finish with standard cutting data, or, maintained surface finish at substantially higher feed rate.

The -WMX wiper geometry is First Choice, and is a good starting point for most applications. When conditions change, there is always a productive alternative.

Choose a positive wiper geometry to lower forces and maintain productivity in case of vibration problems.

Choose wiper geometry as follows:

-WL: For improved chip control when moving to a lower f_n/a_p.

-WF: Improves chip control at a lower f_n/a_p. Also for lower cutting forces when vibrations occur.

-WMX: Always First Choice in the wide chip application area. Provides maximum productivity, versatility and the best results.

-WR: When a stronger edge line is needed—for example, for interrupted cuts.

Turning insert grade

The insert grade is primarily selected according to:

• Component material (ISO P, M, K, N, S, H)
• Type of method (finishing, medium, roughing)
• Machining conditions (good, average, difficult)

The insert geometry and insert grade complement each other. For example, the toughness of ​a grade can compensate for lack of strength in an insert geometry.

Turning insert shape

​The insert shape should be selected relative to the entering angle accessibility required for the tool. The largest possible nose angle should be selected to provide insert strength and reliability. However, this has to be balanced against the variation of cuts that need to be performed.

A large nose angle is strong, but requires more machine power and has a higher tendency for vibration.

A small nose angle is weaker and has a small cutting edge engagement, both of which can make it more sensitive to the effects of heat.

Turning insert size

Select insert size depending on the application demands and the space for the cutting tool in the application.

With a larger insert size, the stability is better. For heavy machining, the insert size is normally above IC 25 mm (1 inch).

When finishing, in many cases the size can be reduced.

How to choose insert size

1. Determine the largest depth of cut, a_p
2. Determine the necessary cutting length, LE, while also considering the entering (lead) angle of the tool holder, the depth of cut, a_p and the machine specification​
3. Based on the necessary LE and a_p, the correct cutting edge length, L and IC for the insert can be selected

Turning insert nose radius

The nose radius, RE, is a key factor in turning operations. Inserts are available in several sizes of nose radius. The selection depends on depth of cut and feed, and influences the surface finish, chip breaking and insert strength.

Depth of cut and cutting forces

The relationship between nose radius and depth of cut affects vibration tendencies. The radial forces that push the insert away from the cutting surface become more axial as the depth of cut increases.

It is preferable to have more axial forces than radial. High radial forces can have a negative effect on the cutting action, which can lead to vibration and bad surface finish.

As a general rule of thumb, choose a nose radius that is equal to or smaller than the depth of cut.

Positive or negative turning insert style

A negative insert has an angle of 90° (0° clearance angle), while a positive insert has an angle of less than 90° (for example, 7° clearance angle). The illustration of the negative style insert shows how the insert is assembled and tilted in the holder. ​​​Some characteristics of the two insert types are listed below:

Positive turning insert

• Single sided
• Low cutting forces
• Side clearance
• First Choice for internal turning and for external turning of slender components

Negative turning insert

• Double and/or single sided
• High edge strength
• Zero clearance
• First Choice for external turning
• Heavy cutting conditions

Entering angle for turning

The entering angle, KAPR (or lead angle, PISR), is the angle between the cutting edge and the feed direction. It is important to choose the correct entering/lead angle for a successful turning operation. The entering/lead angle influences:

• Chip formation
• Direction of cutting forces
• Cutting edge length in cut

Large entering angle (small lead angle)

• Forces are directed toward the chuck. There is less tendency for vibration.
• Ability to turn shoulders
• Higher cutting forces, especially at the entrance and exit of the cut
• Tendency for notch wear in HRSA and case-hardened workpieces

Small entering angle (large lead angle)

• Increased radial forces directed into the workpiece will cause a tendency for vibration
• Reduced load on the cutting edge
• Produces a thinner chip = higher feed rate
• Reduces notch wear
• Cannot turn a 90° shoulder