Carbide inserts are part of the cutting tool, which performs high-precision machining of the workpiece by removing material with the formation of chips. These elements are used in turning, drilling, countersinking, milling, as well as reaming and other operations, guaranteeing the accuracy of processing.
In the manufacture of these elements, pressed powders are used, made on the basis of titanium carbide, tungsten carbide and other compounds that are alloyed when exposed to high temperatures and mechanically processed. Ultimately, the plates acquire wear resistance, hardness, and heat resistance. By the way, about the last characteristic, it can be noted that the plates quite easily endure exposure up to 1150 degrees. This ensures stable material processing quality and durability, provided that the cutting mode is correct.
Types of plates by mounting method
Carbide inserts that are presentedtoday on sale in a large assortment, can be classified according to various criteria, among them it is necessary to highlight the method of attachment in the tool. According to this parameter, the elements can be divided into two groups. The first group: brazed plates. The second includes replaceable carbide inserts. The latter are fixed mechanically, which makes it possible to speed up the process of replacing failed plates. Among other things, they can be used repeatedly.
The first method is provided by turning the plate, while it is possible to operate multifaceted disposable elements. Replacement in this case is not provided due to the difficulty of providing the required edge geometry. Brazed inserts are attached and held in the tool, and re-sharpened as they become dull.
Insert types by carbide grade
Carbide inserts may differ in the type of carbide, which determines the mechanical characteristics and scope of use. For example, VK8 is used for roughing, namely milling, planing and cutting, while workpieces from structural steels, gray cast iron, and hard-to-cut alloys can be used. On sale you can find T15K6 inserts, which are used for finishing or semi-finishing milling, turning and other types of processing of carbon and alloy steels.
Varieties of plates by geometric shape
Carbide inserts can have a round, square, rhombic, pentagonal, triangular shape, and also have the form of a parallelogram. The number of edges is determined by the number of cutting edges and the duration of use in processing.
Fields of use for VK3, VK3M and VK6 inserts
The first of those mentioned are brazed carbide inserts, they are used for finishing turning with a small shear section, reaming holes, as well as final threading. Such elements can also be used when carrying out other similar types of work, when there is a need to use non-ferrous metals, gray cast iron and alloys, non-metallic materials such as fiber, glass, rubber, plastic and fiberglass. With success BK3 are used for cutting sheet glass.
VK3M is used for turning, threading, boring and reaming, which is finishing. In this case, chilled cast iron, hard alloy steels, case-hardened and hardened steels, as well as highly abrasive materials that do not contain metal can be used. Milling cutters with VK6 carbide inserts are successfully used for semi-rough or rough turning, milling complex surfaces, pre-threading, as well as boring and reaming holes. You can work with gray cast iron, non-ferrous metals and alloys, as well as materials that do not contain metal.
Incisor inserts
Carbide inserts for cutters are manufactured according to different state standards. For example, on the basis of GOST 25395-90, inserts are produced for boring, through, revolving cutters. The same standards apply to scoring cutters where blind holes are required. Revolving cutters can also be used. GOST 25402-90 is used for automatic cutters, as well as boring, through and straight. GOST 25398-90 is taken as a basis when inserts for threading and finishing cutters are made.
Sandvik brand inserts
Sandvik carbide inserts are available in a variety of grades. For example, AC25 is a product that can be considered one of the latest achievements. Such inserts are widely used in machining in a wide range of cutting conditions. Particularly well applicable in working with cast iron, stainless alloys, as well as structural steels. With the help of these elements, it is possible to obtain high machining accuracy, as well as wear resistance at a cutting speed of 100 to 200 m per minute. AC40 are indexable carbide inserts that are also used for machining various materials. Perfect in chromium and nickel based alloys, the insert is able to perform its job without flaw, and in semi-finishing it shows high efficiency even at a cutting speed of 200 m per minute.
Insert grades
AL20 is an item that has a titanium coating andan additional lubricating layer; during operation, the elements provide an insignificant coefficient of friction, which makes it possible to obtain less heating in the cutting zone. It is especially preferable to use such inserts for machining alloy steels.
AL40 is a tungsten carbide insert that is also titanium coated but is used for vibration milling applications. It is preferable to operate these elements at low cutting speeds, only then the insert will cope with the processing of heat-resistant alloys.
AP25 is the replacement part that is applied on the cutting tool. The insert acts as a general purpose, uncoated insert and is useful in machining stainless, alloy and carbon steels. The carbide grade makes it possible to obtain high stability and strength of the insert during roughing.
AP40 is commonly used for rough and rough machining of structured and tool steels, as well as for working with steel castings. Handles heavy loads well, so the insert can be used in particularly difficult conditions.
