CNC TOOLING - CNC TURNNING TOOLS - DETAILS OF TOOLING -CNC INSERTS


Fri Feb 24, 2023

CNC TOOLING - CNC TURNNING TOOLS - DETAILS OF TOOLING -CNC INSERTS

CNC turning tools are cutting tools used in CNC lathes to perform turning operations, such as creating cylindrical shapes, reducing the diameter of a material, or creating threads. CNC turning tools come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, each designed for specific turning applications. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the different types of CNC turning tools and their applications.

  1. Inserts: Inserts are the cutting tips of CNC turning tools and are available in a variety of materials, including carbide, ceramic, and diamond. Inserts are designed to be easily replaced, making them a cost-effective solution for high-volume production.

  2. Tool Holders: Tool holders are the clamping mechanisms used to secure the inserts to the CNC lathe. Tool holders come in different shapes and sizes, including boring bars, turning tool holders, and threading tool holders, each designed for specific turning applications.

  3. Boring Bars: Boring bars are used to enlarge existing holes in materials. Boring bars come in different sizes and shapes, including straight, offset, and angled, each designed for specific applications.

  4. Threading Tools: Threading tools are used to create threads in materials. There are different types of threading tools, including single-point threading tools and insert-based threading tools, each designed for specific applications and materials.

  5. Grooving Tools: Grooving tools are used to create grooves in materials, such as for O-rings or snap rings. Grooving tools come in different sizes and shapes, including square, round, and diamond-shaped, each designed for specific applications.

  6. Parting Tools: Parting tools are used to cut off a section of material from the main workpiece. Parting tools come in different sizes and shapes, including blade-style and insert-style, each designed for specific applications.

When selecting CNC turning tools, it's essential to consider factors such as the material being machined, the desired finish, and the required tolerances. It's also crucial to select the right tool holder and cutting parameters, such as cutting speed and feed rate, to achieve optimal performance and efficiency.

CNC inserts, also known as indexable inserts, are replaceable cutting tips used in various types of machining operations. They are typically made of hard materials such as carbide, ceramic, or cubic boron nitride (CBN), and are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes for different machining applications. The nomenclature of CNC inserts consists of a series of letters and numbers that represent various parameters related to the insert's geometry, material, and application. Here's a breakdown of the nomenclature of CNC inserts:

  1. Insert Shape: The first letter or letters in the nomenclature indicate the shape of the insert. Common insert shapes include S (square), T (triangular), C (diamond), and R (round).
  2. Insert Size: The next number in the nomenclature represents the size of the insert, typically the width or diameter of the cutting edge. For example, a 10-mm insert would be designated as "10".
  3. Corner Radius: If the insert has a rounded cutting edge, the next number indicates the radius of the curve. For example, an insert with a 0.4-mm radius would be designated as "04".
  4. Insert Thickness: The next number in the nomenclature represents the thickness of the insert, typically the distance from the top of the insert to the bottom of the cutting edge.
  5. Cutting Material: The next letter in the nomenclature indicates the type of material used for the cutting edge, such as C (carbide), P (ceramic), or M (CBN).
  6. Coating: If the insert is coated with a layer of material to improve its performance, the next letter or letters in the nomenclature indicate the type of coating used, such as T (titanium nitride) or P (polycrystalline diamond).
  7. Cutting Direction: The final letter in the nomenclature indicates the cutting direction of the insert. Common designations include M (medium), L (light), and H (heavy), which indicate the amount of material being removed by the insert.
The nomenclature of CNC inserts can be confusing at first, but understanding the various parameters can help you choose the right insert for your machining application. It's important to consider factors such as the material being cut, the desired surface finish, and the cutting speed and feed rate when selecting an insert. By using the correct insert, you can achieve optimal performance and efficiency in your CNC machining operations.




CBN (cubic boron nitride) is a synthetic material with exceptional hardness and thermal stability, making it an ideal choice for cutting hard materials like hardened steels and cast iron. CBN grade inserts are cutting tools used in various machining applications, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries, where precision and high productivity are critical. Here's a closer look at the benefits and applications of CBN grade inserts:Benefits of CBN Grade Inserts:

  1. High Hardness: CBN grade inserts are incredibly hard, second only to diamond in hardness, making them ideal for cutting hard materials.
  2. Thermal Stability: CBN grade inserts can withstand high temperatures, allowing them to maintain their cutting performance even at high cutting speeds.
  3. Wear Resistance: CBN grade inserts have excellent wear resistance, ensuring long tool life and reducing the need for frequent tool changes.
  4. Improved Surface Finish: CBN grade inserts produce a smoother surface finish than other cutting tools, reducing the need for additional finishing operations.
Applications of CBN Grade Inserts:
  1. Hardened Steels: CBN grade inserts are commonly used for cutting hardened steels, such as bearing steels and tool steels, which are difficult to machine with conventional cutting tools.
  2. Cast Iron: CBN grade inserts are also used for machining cast iron, which is abrasive and can wear down other cutting tools quickly.
  3. Automotive Industry: CBN grade inserts are used in the production of automotive parts, including engine blocks, crankshafts, and camshafts.
  4. Aerospace Industry: CBN grade inserts are also used in the aerospace industry for manufacturing components such as turbine blades, landing gear, and engine parts.
Choosing the Right CBN Grade Insert:When selecting a CBN grade insert, it's essential to consider factors such as the material being cut, the cutting speed, and the desired surface finish. Different CBN grades are available for different machining applications, with varying levels of toughness and wear resistance. It's also essential to consider the geometry of the insert, such as the chipbreaker design and the cutting edge angle, to ensure optimal performance and productivity.In conclusion, CBN grade inserts are a versatile and effective cutting tool for machining hard materials, offering high hardness, thermal stability, wear resistance, and improved surface finish. By choosing the right CBN grade insert for your machining application, you can achieve optimal performance and efficiency in your CNC machining operations.



CNC wiper inserts are a type of cutting tool used in the machining industry for cutting and finishing operations. These inserts are made using computer numerical control (CNC) technology, which allows for precise and accurate cutting.In this blog, we will discuss the features and benefits of CNC wiper inserts, as well as their applications and how they compare to other types of cutting tools.Features and Benefits of CNC Wiper Inserts: CNC wiper inserts are made using high-quality materials such as carbide, cermet, or ceramic, and are designed to provide a high level of accuracy and efficiency. Some of the key features and benefits of CNC wiper inserts include:

  1. Precision cutting: CNC wiper inserts are designed to provide precise and accurate cutting, making them ideal for applications that require high levels of accuracy.
  2. Longer tool life: The use of high-quality materials and precise manufacturing techniques results in CNC wiper inserts that offer a longer tool life than other types of cutting tools.
  3. Reduced cycle times: The precise cutting capabilities of CNC wiper inserts can help reduce cycle times, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency.
  4. Improved surface finish: The design of CNC wiper inserts includes a wiper edge that helps produce a smoother surface finish compared to other types of cutting tools.
Applications of CNC Wiper Inserts: CNC wiper inserts are versatile cutting tools that can be used for a variety of applications. Some of the most common applications of CNC wiper inserts include:
  1. Turning operations: CNC wiper inserts are commonly used in turning operations to produce high-precision and high-quality surface finishes.
  2. Milling operations: CNC wiper inserts can be used in milling operations to achieve high levels of accuracy and efficiency.
  3. Grooving operations: CNC wiper inserts can be used in grooving operations to produce high-quality and precise grooves.
  4. Boring operations: CNC wiper inserts can be used in boring operations to produce accurate and efficient bores.
CNC Wiper Inserts vs. Other Cutting Tools: CNC wiper inserts offer several advantages over other types of cutting tools. For example:
  1. Compared to traditional cutting tools, CNC wiper inserts offer a longer tool life, resulting in reduced downtime and increased productivity.
  2. Compared to carbide inserts, CNC wiper inserts offer improved surface finish due to their wiper edge design.
  3. Compared to ceramic inserts, CNC wiper inserts offer increased toughness and durability, making them ideal for high-speed and heavy-duty machining operations.
In conclusion, CNC wiper inserts are high-quality cutting tools that offer a range of benefits over other types of cutting tools. Their precision, efficiency, and versatility make them an excellent choice for a wide range of machining applications. When choosing CNC wiper inserts, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your application to ensure that you choose the right type of insert for your needs.


Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) inserts are cutting tools used in CNC machining for high precision cutting of non-ferrous and non-metallic materials such as aluminum, composites, and plastics. PCD inserts offer several advantages over conventional cutting tools, including longer tool life, improved surface finish, and reduced downtime. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at PCD inserts and their applications.PCD inserts are made of diamond particles bonded together using a high-pressure, high-temperature process. The resulting material is extremely hard and wear-resistant, making it an ideal choice for machining abrasive materials that can quickly wear down conventional cutting tools. PCD inserts come in different shapes and sizes, including turning, milling, drilling, and grooving inserts.Here are some of the advantages of using PCD inserts:

  1. Longer tool life: PCD inserts have a longer tool life compared to conventional cutting tools, which means reduced downtime and increased productivity.
  2. Improved surface finish: PCD inserts produce a better surface finish than conventional cutting tools, which means less post-processing work and improved part quality.
  3. Reduced cutting forces: PCD inserts require less cutting force compared to conventional cutting tools, which means less stress on the machine and less wear on the cutting tool.
  4. Versatility: PCD inserts can be used to machine a wide range of non-ferrous and non-metallic materials, including aluminum, composites, and plastics.
However, there are some disadvantages to using PCD inserts, including:
  1. High cost: PCD inserts are more expensive than conventional cutting tools, which means they may not be suitable for low-volume production.
  2. Fragility: PCD inserts are more brittle than conventional cutting tools and can fracture or chip if used improperly or subjected to excessive force.
  3. Limited applications: PCD inserts are not suitable for machining ferrous materials, such as steel and iron, as the diamond particles will react with the iron in the material, causing the PCD to break down.
In conclusion, PCD inserts are an excellent choice for high-precision cutting of non-ferrous and non-metallic materials, offering several advantages over conventional cutting tools. However, they are more expensive and require proper handling and maintenance to prevent damage. By selecting the right PCD insert for your machining application and following best practices for handling and maintenance, you can achieve optimal performance and productivity in your CNC machining operations.


THREADING INSERTS 

Threading inserts are cutting tools used in CNC machining for creating threads on workpieces. They come in different shapes and sizes, including triangular, square, and round inserts. Threading inserts are made from various materials, including carbide, ceramic, and high-speed steel. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at threading inserts and their applications.Threading inserts are designed to cut threads in a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, and other metals. They can be used for both internal and external threading operations, depending on the type of insert and the cutting tool used. The most common types of threading inserts include:

  1. External threading inserts: These inserts are used for cutting threads on the outside of a workpiece. They come in different shapes and sizes, including triangular and square inserts.
  2. Internal threading inserts: These inserts are used for cutting threads on the inside of a workpiece. They come in different shapes and sizes, including triangular and round inserts.
  3. Parting and grooving inserts: These inserts are used for cutting grooves or parting off a workpiece. They come in different shapes and sizes, including triangular and square inserts.
Threading inserts are designed to cut different types of threads, including metric, unified, and pipe threads. The type of insert used will depend on the thread type and the material being cut. Threading inserts come in different grades, which determine their cutting performance and tool life. The most common grades of threading inserts include:
  1. Carbide: Carbide threading inserts are the most common and offer good wear resistance and toughness.
  2. Ceramic: Ceramic threading inserts offer superior wear resistance and can be used for high-speed threading operations.
  3. High-speed steel: High-speed steel threading inserts are more affordable and can be used for lower-speed threading operations.
Threading inserts require proper handling and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and tool life. This includes using the correct cutting parameters, such as speed, feed, and depth of cut, and regularly checking and replacing worn or damaged inserts. With proper handling and maintenance, threading inserts can provide excellent performance and productivity in CNC machining operations.In conclusion, threading inserts are essential cutting tools used in CNC machining for creating threads on workpieces. They come in different shapes, sizes, and grades, and are designed to cut different types of threads and materials. Proper handling and maintenance are crucial for optimal performance and tool life. By selecting the right threading insert for your machining application and following best practices for handling and maintenance, you can achieve excellent threading performance and productivity in your CNC machining operations.


BOREING TOOLS 

Boring tools and inserts are essential cutting tools used in CNC machining for creating accurate and precise bores in workpieces. Boring tools and inserts come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, depending on the application and material being machined. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at boring tools and inserts and their applications.Boring tools and inserts are designed to cut precise bores in workpieces, including through-holes and blind holes. Boring tools can be used for both roughing and finishing operations, depending on the type of insert and the cutting tool used. The most common types of boring inserts include:

  1. Cylindrical inserts: These inserts have a cylindrical shape and are used for creating round bores in workpieces.
  2. Tapered inserts: These inserts have a tapered shape and are used for creating conical bores in workpieces.
  3. Twin-edge inserts: These inserts have two cutting edges and are used for creating bores with tight tolerances.
Boring tools and inserts come in different materials, including carbide, ceramic, and high-speed steel. The type of material used will depend on the material being cut and the cutting parameters used. For example, carbide inserts offer good wear resistance and toughness and are ideal for cutting harder materials like steel, while ceramic inserts offer superior wear resistance and can be used for high-speed machining operations.Boring tools and inserts can be used for a variety of applications, including creating precise bores in engine blocks, cylinder heads, and other automotive components, as well as creating bores in aerospace and medical components. Boring tools and inserts are also used in the production of hydraulic cylinders, valves, and other fluid power components.Proper handling and maintenance are crucial for optimal performance and tool life of boring tools and inserts. This includes using the correct cutting parameters, such as speed, feed, and depth of cut, and regularly checking and replacing worn or damaged inserts. By selecting the right boring tool and insert for your machining application and following best practices for handling and maintenance, you can achieve excellent boring performance and productivity in your CNC machining operations.In conclusion, boring tools and inserts are essential cutting tools used in CNC machining for creating accurate and precise bores in workpieces. They come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, and are designed to cut different types of bores and materials. Proper handling and maintenance are crucial for optimal performance and tool life. By selecting the right boring tool and insert for your machining application and following best practices for handling and maintenance, you can achieve excellent boring performance and productivity in your CNC machining operations.





CNC ACADEMY SIGMA YOUTH ENGINEER
VIPIN KUMAR YADAV

PGD IN CNC CAD CAM

B.TECH MECHANICAL (BITS)