A new turn on multi-tasking - iso standard stainless steel carbide insert

Just as there is no official standard for grade application ranges, there is no formal standard for grade designations. That said, most major carbide insert suppliers follow common guidelines in their grade designations. The "classic" designation follows a six-character format BBSSNN, where:

Job shops are implementing automation and digitalization into workflows to eliminate set up time and increase repeatability in production.

Shallow grooving is an exception to other types. As it shares similarities with turning, suppliers with a large selection of grooving inserts will usually offer a wider variety of grades for specific material groups and conditions.

Zoller’s open house in Ann Arbor, Michigan, provided attendees with a glimpse of the connectivity and efficiency the company’s products offer to users.

The choice between buying a new machine or refurbishing the current one will become clear after a thorough assessment of the machine.

Learn more about the variety of technology and machinery Hwacheon Machinery America, Inc. is featuring at its IMTS 2024 booth.

Are AMRs the next big trend in job shop automation? System 3R’s IMTS booth will emphasize both its specialty EDM tooling and its automation products, including an autonomous moving robot.

A ceremony taking place at the Rio Tinto Kennecott Mine on May 23, 2023, marked the start of the circularity program between the two companies.

In the late 1800s, a new technology — Swiss-type machines — emerged to serve Switzerland’s growing watchmaking industry. Today, Swiss-machined parts are ubiquitous, and there’s a good reason for that: No other machining technology can produce tiny, complex components more efficiently or at higher quality.

The latest episode “Made in the USA” podcast explores a company that uses collaborative robots, one of the key tools helping US machine shops and other manufacturers compete with lower cost countries by automating production.

Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.

AccuRounds has created synergy between culture and technology, driving a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Major suppliers usually provide separate series of grades for each material group. In each series, the grades range from tough for interrupted cuts to hard for continuous machining.

Cemented carbide is a key component in high-quality drill bits. One important ingredient in the manufacturing is tungsten, a rare mineral difficult to come by. Through Terelion’s Circularity program, it is now possible to recycle all cemented carbide inserts on a drill bit back to virgin material – pure tungsten – which can then be used in manufacturing new cemented carbide inserts. Tools from recycled solid carbide require 70% less energy which results in 40% less CO2 emissions.

Walter USA has acquired PDQ Workholding, intending to strengthen its offering of workholding products and develop future cutting tool sales.

Without an international standard for designating carbide grades or application ranges, users must rely on relative judgments and background knowledge for success.

Entrepreneur Scott Colosimo found early success in China producing parts for his Cleveland-based motorcycle company in the mid-2000s. This is the story of how IP theft issues overwhelmed the business, prompting Colosimo and his team to start over from scratch — and move production back to the United States.

The first letter represents the material group according to the ISO standard. A letter and a corresponding color are assigned to each material group.

Lee Wimmer invited us to tour his second-generation family-owned machine shop in Perkasie, PA. This video explores the production processes behind precision-machined parts for both Wimmer Custom Cycle and LS Wimmer Machine Co., and shows how ingenuity and determination are still at the heart of American manufacturing. Today, both companies are now managed by Wimmer’s three sons.

Chiron Group combines the best of both worlds at IMTS 2024, featuring live demonstrations of their Micro5 and Mill 2000 machines, alongside a cutting-edge virtual showroom. This innovative approach allows visitors to explore Chiron’s full product lineup without the logistical challenges of transporting large equipment.

A grade marked as P10-P20 in the turning grades table could have different hardness than a grade marked as P10-P20 in the milling grades table, even in the same catalog. This difference comes down to the fact that favorable conditions vary across different applications. Turning applications are best tackled with very hard grades, but in milling, favorable conditions require some toughness because of its interrupted nature.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Though most frequently used for diameter measurements, an air plug and platen can be readily configured to measure perpendicularity.

Did you know that the show was postponed for WWII? Or that McCormick Place was expanded in the ’70s just to accommodate IMTS? A fascinating look at the show’s history from 1927 to today.

Join Mahr for an informative webinar to discover the latest advancements in precision measurement, designed to elevate your quality assurance processes and unlock peak productivity. It'll explore cutting-edge technologies — such as modern height gages and contour measuring systems — along with their applications, benefits and technical capabilities. Discover the power of height gages: Learn how intuitive and sophisticated height gages can revolutionize your measurement processes, enabling quick and accurate results in inspection and production areas. Explore the practical functions and ease of use that make height gages an ideal solution for manufacturers seeking high-performance and reliable measuring technology. Examine sample applications and industries where height gages excel, such as qualifying first parts, inspecting incoming parts and measuring series of parts in industries like aerospace, automotive and medical. Unlock efficient contour measurement: An introduction to the latest contour measuring technologies that enable fast, simple and comprehensive contour measurement in the production environment. Discover how these innovative solutions ensure reliable measurements, saving time and increasing efficiency while measuring a wide range of workpieces. Learn how to streamline your contour measuring process with speed and simplicity, achieving fast and precise measurements with incredible versatility. Register now and discover how to unlock peak productivity with new innovations in precision measurement. Agenda: Insights into the latest precision measurement technologies and their applications Understanding of how to improve quality assurance processes and increase productivity Knowledge of how to select the right measurement solutions for your specific needs Tips on how to optimize your measurement processes for maximum efficiency

Are AMRs the next big trend in job shop automation? System 3R’s IMTS booth will emphasize both its specialty EDM tooling and its automation products, including an autonomous moving robot.

Ever wonder what sets Top Shops apart from the competition? Dive into their award-winning practices and explore behind-the-scenes strategies for operational excellence.

In milling, the range of grades on offer is smaller. Due to the application’s fundamentally interrupted nature, milling tools require tough grades with high impact resistance. For the same reason, the coating layer must be thin — otherwise, it will not withstand the impacts.

Lee Wimmer invited us to tour his second-generation family-owned machine shop in Perkasie, PA. This video explores the production processes behind precision-machined parts for both Wimmer Custom Cycle and LS Wimmer Machine Co., and shows how ingenuity and determination are still at the heart of American manufacturing. Today, both companies are now managed by Wimmer’s three sons.

The following two numbers represent the grade's relative hardness level on a scale from 05 to 45 in increments of 5. A 05 application requires a very hard grade suitable for favorable and stable conditions. A 45 application requires a very tough grade suitable for unfavorable and unstable conditions.

From quadruped robot dogs, to an in-booth putting green where you can test out a new golf putter, to a 3D-printed car and more, attendees enjoyed cutting-edge technology and innovations all week long. Take a look to see what (or who!) you might have missed this week!

In parting or grooving applications, grade selection is limited due to cutting speed factors. That is, the diameter gets smaller as the cut approaches the center. The cutting speed thus decreases gradually. In parting-off to the center, the speed ultimately reaches zero at the end of the cut, and the operation becomes shearing instead of cutting.

Effective team collaboration is a critical component of success in today’s manufacturing world. With cloud-based technologies that make it easy for team members to brainstorm and problem solve remotely from various locations, design-to-manufacturing processes can become faster and more efficient. This webinar will demonstrate how fully integrated CAM software can be utilized with 3DExperience SolidWorks in a seamless work environment to accelerate product development. Agenda: See how HCL CAMWorks can be used as an add-in for all SolidWorks applications working with the cloud-based 3DExperience platform Learn how fully integrated CAD/CAM saves significant amounts of time during the design to manufacturing process Gain a new understanding of how software can connect users worldwide to accelerate product development Watch a demonstration of team collaboration using platform tools in the CAD/CAM software environment

Table 3 depicts a hypothetical chart of grades and their uses in different difficulties of turning applications, as might appear in a cutting tools supplier catalog. In this example, grade A would be recommended for a wide range of turning conditions, but not for heavy interrupted cuts, while grade D would be recommended for heavy interrupted turning and other highly unfavorable conditions. Tools such as the Grades Finder from MachiningDoctor.com can search for grades according to this designation system.

Therefore, a grade for parting-off must be compatible with a wide range of cutting speeds, and the substrate should be tough enough to handle the shearing at the end of the operation.

Consistency is key for beryllium manufacturing, so the data visibility granted by Harmoni has swiftly become a vital, profitable tool in the shop’s arsenal.

Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.

The company’s Edge machine is capable of creating complex 3D cutting tool forms, including solid PCD-tipped end mills and drills under 1 mm.

Attend TASC, The Automated Shop Conference, in Novi, Mich on Oct. 11, 2023 for a comprehensive look into how to use automation to transform your machine shop.

In this episode of Made in the USA, several executives and senior staff at Hardinge give their first-person account of how they formulated the plan to shift the manufacturing of its milling and turning product lines from its Taiwan plant to its plant in Elmira, New York, the major challenges they encountered and the rewards that made it worth the effort.

Ever wonder what sets Top Shops apart from the competition? Dive into their award-winning practices and explore behind-the-scenes strategies for operational excellence.

When Puneet and Neelam Neotia moved from India to the United States several years ago, they brought with them a family background in manufacturing and CNC machining. Now the couple is working to get their startup machine shop off the ground, sourcing new customers and getting the word out about their shop in Clarksville, Indiana. The couple — proud to publicize their "Made in the USA" parts — is leveraging family connections and manufacturing capabilities back in India, but not in the way that some people assume.

In drilling, the center of the drill always has a cutting speed of zero, while the periphery has a cutting speed that depends on the drill diameter and spindle speed. Grades optimized for high cutting speeds will fail, and therefore should not be used. Most suppliers will offer just a handful of grades.

Working closely with customers and making careful investments has enabled this Wisconsin machine shop to tackle difficult jobs with tight deadlines as a core part of its business.

Women in Manufacturing is excited to announce that the 2024 SUMMIT will be a hybrid event — both an in-person and virtual experience. Both program offerings will enable you to grow through education and connections that are insightful, meaningful and actionable. Join Women in Manufacturing Oct. 6-9, 2024, in Boston or digitally for an event filled with plant tours at leading manufacturing facilities, professional development sessions, roundtable discussions on important topics, and inspiring keynotes.  All while engaging and interacting with peers through social and networking events! __PRESENT __PRESENT

Mitsui Seiki USA Inc. appoints Joseph Farkas as its director of sales West and Terry Ritterbush as its director of sales East.

The MB45 series is designed to deliver the low cutting force benefits of positive inserts and the fracture resistance of negative inserts.

Q-Mark has built its metrology business by providing what customers need, when they want it. This goes for its IMTS booth, too, with free drinks alongside custom technology.

So far, Made in the USA has looked into system-wide effects of broken supply chains, automation, skilled workforce issues and our perception of manufacturing jobs — examining each topic through a prism of individual experiences. For this final episode for Season 1, let’s look at one more system-wide question and bring it back to personal perspectives: Is there today a new dawn, a new moment for American manufacturing?

Grades play a vital role in turning applications, more than in any other application. Because of that, when checking any supplier's catalog, the turning section will feature the largest selection of grades.

When it comes to utilizing the spindle’s power, there is a lot of headroom at the upper limits, provided it’s in short bursts. Be mindful of your time at these loads so you don’t stall out.

Rob Guiao, Chris Hall and Bassanio Peters will demonstrate relatable situations to equip you with data to improve predictability, future-proof operations and maximize ROI. Agenda:  Explore the importance of data in decision-making, especially for facility upgrades or new projects Learn how comprehensive solutions for manufacturing and construction projects can improve predictability and ROI See real demonstrations of machine integrations, facility layouts and automations to ensure proper throughput and integration

Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.

When revising part designs, investigate the 3D CAD, the 2D drawing and the part’s functional requirements to determine which details should be tightened up.

Pairing a shoulder mill with a five-axis machine has cut costs and cycle times for one of TTI Machine’s parts, enabling it to support a niche racing community.

User-friendly inspection software for CNC machining centers is shown monitoring measurements between and after machining while performing SPC based on recorded measurement values.

Rio Tinto Kennecott’s (Salt Lake City, USA) site has joined Terelion’s Circularity Program in what the drill bits company says marks a significant milestone in delivering on its ambitious goal of achieving circularity throughout the whole value chain.

Each tool setting technique has merit, and it depends on where you are as a shop and the type of work you do, as cost and efficiency all come into play.

The substrate is the bare material of the cutting insert or solid tool underneath the coatings and post-treatments. It is typically made up of between 80- and 95-percent WC. To give the substrate the desired properties, material manufacturers add various alloying elements. The main alloying element is cobalt (Co) — higher levels of cobalt lead to greater toughness, while lower levels of cobalt lead to greater hardness. Very hard substrates can reach a hardness of 1800 HV and provide excellent wear resistance, but are very brittle and are only suitable for very stable conditions. Very tough substrates have a hardness of around 1300 HV. These substrates can machine only at lower cutting speeds and wear out faster, but have better resistance to interrupted cuts and unfavorable conditions.

Part of Major Tool’s 52,000 square-foot building expansion includes the installation of this new Waldrich Coburg Taurus 30 vertical machining center.

JD Machine, 2024’s Top Shops Honoree in Human Resources, embodies its “Education for Life” core value with a robust apprenticeship program and significant continuous improvement efforts.

Most modern carbide inserts and solid carbide tools are coated with a thin film (between 3 and 20 microns, or 0.0001 to 0.0007 inch). The coating is typically composed of titanium nitride, aluminum oxide and titanium carbon nitride layers. This coating increases the hardness and creates a heat barrier between the cut and the substrate.

The process of separating cemented carbide inserts from the steel body of the drill bit is done through an elaborate heating process. The inserts are then gathered and shipped to Terelion’s recycling partner – saving more than 90% of shipping emissions in the process (compared to shipping the complete drill bits).

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Heidenhain and Acu-Rite Solutions are offering several hands-on experiences at their booth this year, as well as internal components that reduce energy use.

Standards for surface finishes and profiles are not static; they change as technology changes or new processes come along that need to be considered.

Ceratizit USA announces it has appointed Carlos Garza as its business development leader for the oil and gas industry sector.

Working closely with customers and making careful investments has enabled this Wisconsin machine shop to tackle difficult jobs with tight deadlines as a core part of its business.

Each tool setting technique has merit, and it depends on where you are as a shop and the type of work you do, as cost and efficiency all come into play.

Looking to automate your shop floor? The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect shops with experts who can advise them through this transition.

Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).

Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.

Structured light scanning is used to create a digital twin of a manufactured part, but we must understand the measurement reproducibility to best use the data.

The L.S. Starrett Co. has been manufacturing precision measurement tools in Athol, Massachusetts, since 1880. Attention to U.S. manufacturing often focuses on reshoring manufacturing from other countries, but Starrett never left. The facility in Athol employs hundreds and produces thousands of tools that remain vital for measurement in machining and other fields.

To choose the correct carbide grade for a particular application, look at the supplier's catalog or website for guidance. Although there is no formal international standard, most suppliers use charts that describe grades’ recommended working envelopes based on their "application range" as expressed in a three-character letter-number combination, such as P05-P20.

The Terelion Circularity program for tungsten carbide drill bits at the Rio Tinto Kennecott mine is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions related to carbide drill bits by 64%. The energy consumption will be reduced by 70% compared with sourcing tungsten carbide via conventional mining methods.

In the latest episode of our View From My Shop series, MMS Editor-in-Chief Brent Donaldson visited the JN Shapiro Watches headquarters and production facility where Founder Joshua Shapiro—a history teacher turned watchmaker—realized his dream of "making a watch from scratch and everything in it."

Again, there is no standard for these values, so they should be interpreted as a relative value within the specific grade table in which they appear. For example, a grade marked as P10-P20 in two catalogs of different suppliers could have a different hardness.

The right balance between hardness and toughness is the most crucial factor when selecting a grade for a particular application. Picking a grade that is too hard can lead to micro breakages along the cutting edge or even catastrophic failure. At the same time, a grade that is too tough will wear out fast or require decreasing the cutting speed, thus reducing productivity. Table 1 provides some basic guidelines for selecting the correct hardness:

Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.

Many cutter designs are available, and variable teeth spacing (or variable pitch) cutters can be used to influence milling stability. Let’s discuss why teeth spacing affects stability.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Weldon Solutions is demonstrating three grinders at IMTS 2024. Though they differ in size and use case, all feature the company’s hallmark customizations.

New U.S.-based event announced in 2021 finally debuts next year: focuses on complete additive manufacturing value chain. More at formnextchicago.com.

Across a range of technical presentations aimed at small and mid-sized job shops, the first-ever Automated Shop Conference (TASC) offered insights into several automated technologies, implementation strategies, shopfloor training tips, and even the untapped power of automated coolant delivery.

Surface measurement is becoming increasingly important to ensure proper performance of a manufactured product. Advanced surface measurement tools are not only beneficial in the manufacturing industry but also have unconventional applications.

The above explanation is correct in many cases. But since this is not an ISO/ANSI standard, some suppliers make their own adjustments to the system, and it is wise to be on the lookout for these changes.

Modern Machine Shop is the leading publication and media brand in North America devoted to CNC machining. MMS combines unprecedented editorial access to manufacturing facilities with decades of experience to provide long-form content that is both insightful and impactful. About Us

The Walter Turn toolholder features rake-face cooling to help break and control chips, and double flank-face cooling directly at the cutting edge to extend tool life.

Heidenhain and Acu-Rite Solutions are offering several hands-on experiences at their booth this year, as well as internal components that reduce energy use.

Horn USA’s new booth concept is designed to enable attendees to (literally) get a better feel for its various tooling offerings.

FABTECH 2024 will be held October 15-17, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center. FABTECH provides a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, discover innovative solutions, and find the tools to improve productivity and increase profits. There is no better opportunity to network, share knowledge and explore the latest technology, all here in one place. Future U.S. Show Dates and Locations 2025 – September 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL 2026 – October 21-23 at Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV 2027 – September 13-16 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL

This presentation focuses on the vital role that linear and angular encoders play in ensuring precision in machine tools. Attendees will learn about the common challenges compromising accuracy, such as thermal expansion, mechanical misalignments and vibration. Whether you're an OEM, integrator, or machine operator, this webinar will offer valuable insights into optimizing CNC performance. Agenda: Challenges to CNC machine accuracy Understanding encoder technology How encoders address accuracy challenges

Incremental mode can be more advantageous when programming sculptured surfaces or for certain hole-machining canned cycle applications.

Fryer Machine Systems Inc. presents its TC Series of CNC machining centers for high-performance cutting, accuracy, reliability and ease of use.

The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will give shops of all sizes and production volumes key insights and practical guidance on how to implement automation.

After experiencing process stalls in the finishing stage of production, Bryan Machine Service designed an air-powered twin spindle and indexable rotating base to effectively double its production of small parts.

To navigate this maze, users must first understand what constitutes a carbide grade and how each element influences different aspects of machining.

International Mining Team Publishing Ltd 2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire England HP4 2AF, UK

Part of Major Tool’s 52,000 square-foot building expansion includes the installation of this new Waldrich Coburg Taurus 30 vertical machining center.

Misapplication of these important CNC features will result in wasted time, wasted or duplicated effort and/or wasted material.

When it comes to utilizing the spindle’s power, there is a lot of headroom at the upper limits, provided it’s in short bursts. Be mindful of your time at these loads so you don’t stall out.

Though most frequently used for diameter measurements, an air plug and platen can be readily configured to measure perpendicularity.

Automation is no longer a luxury in manufacturing today – it’s a necessity. The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect job shops with experts who offer advice and considerations for this process.

This extensive range of turning grades stems from the extensive range of turning applications. Everything from continuous machining, where the cutting edge is constantly engaged with the workpiece and suffers no impact but generates lots of heat, to interrupted cuts, which have heavy impacts, falls into this category.

The wide range of turning grades also relates to the vast array of diameters in manufacturing, from 1/8 inch (3 mm) for Swiss-type machines to 100 inches for heavy industrial purposes. Because the cutting speed also depends on the diameter, there is a need for different grades that are optimized for either low or high cutting speeds.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

AccuRounds has created synergy between culture and technology, driving a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

In this webinar, industry-leading experts will demonstrate how additive manufacturing can revolutionize your operations and answer the question: Can you afford not to? From rapid prototyping to robust fixturing and specialized custom tooling, it’ll showcase the diverse applications that can drive your business forward in a time where cost and time saving can be crucial. Discover how to reduce costs, accelerate production cycles and achieve unparalleled design freedom through the strategic integration of 3D printing technology. Phillip’s panel of seasoned professionals will share real-world examples and practical insights to help you understand the potential of additive manufacturing. Learn how to overcome production challenges, improve product quality and gain a competitive advantage. It will explore the cost-benefit analysis of 3D printing — including material and labor savings — as well as the potential for increased revenue. Join this webinar to discover why additive manufacturing is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for success. Agenda:  Prototyping example: quick-change prototype Custom tooling real-world example: press brake, tube bending die CMM fixturing and workholding example: CMM fixture and soft jaw

Manufacturers continue to feel the pressure to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and meet their sustainability strategies. As the industry evolves to keep pace with these priorities, there are opportunities within metalworking processes to use less resources with advanced lubricants and technical expertise. Agenda:  An overview of metalworking lubrication Evolutions in metalworking lubrication Experience on the shop floor Key takeaways

Chiron Group combines the best of both worlds at IMTS 2024, featuring live demonstrations of their Micro5 and Mill 2000 machines, alongside a cutting-edge virtual showroom. This innovative approach allows visitors to explore Chiron’s full product lineup without the logistical challenges of transporting large equipment.

Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.

Rio Tinto Kennecott General Manager Minerals, Brendan Murphy, said: “We’re always looking for new and inventive ways to reduce our carbon footprint and cut waste. We are excited to support this innovative circularity program and look forward to seeing the difference it can make.”

In the latest episode of our View From My Shop series, MMS Editor-in-Chief Brent Donaldson visited the JN Shapiro Watches headquarters and production facility where Founder Joshua Shapiro—a history teacher turned watchmaker—realized his dream of "making a watch from scratch and everything in it."

Understanding all the things that contribute to a machine’s full potential accuracy will inform what to prioritize when fine-tuning the machine.

Graeme McKenzie, Operations Director at Terelion, said: “At Terelion, we are committed to working towards a more sustainable mining future. Doing so will benefit all: our planet, our customers and our business. Our aim is 90% circularity by 2030. Key in achieving this is our Circularity Program. We are very happy that Rio Tinto Kennecott shares this ambition and has decided to join our program – a clear testament also to their commitment in this area. We look forward to a successful partnership that ultimately encourages others to join this exciting initiative.”

The used products are collected on site at Kennecott and transported to a partner where the dull tungsten carbide drill bits are separated from the steel. The used carbide inserts are then sent to a process plant in Austria where they are transformed back to its original powder form, and then made into new tungsten carbide inserts that are used as the raw material for making new drill bits.

Despite only gaining traction about a decade ago, adding a post-treatment after coating has become an industry standard. These treatments are usually sandblasting or other polishing techniques that smoothen the top coating layer, reducing friction and, as a result, generated heat. Price differences are typically minor, and in most cases, it is recommended to favor grades with post-treatment.

While the metallurgic term “carbide grades” refers specifically to tungsten carbide (WC) sintered with cobalt, the same term has a broader meaning in machining: sintered tungsten carbide combined with coatings and other treatments. For example, two turning inserts made of the same carbide material but with a different coating or post-treatment are considered different grades. Carbide and coating combinations lack classification standardization, however, so different cutting tool suppliers use different names and classification methods for their grade charts. This can make grade comparison difficult for the end-user, an especially trying problem given that carbide grade suitability for a given application dramatically affects possible cutting conditions and tool life.

Weldon Solutions is demonstrating three grinders at IMTS 2024. Though they differ in size and use case, all feature the company’s hallmark customizations.

Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.