Switching from solid tools to indexable carbide inserts is the easiest way to cut hourly machining costs.
Instead of replacing an entire end-mill, operators only change the insert, which takes under 30 s and costs a few dollars.
A recent shop test on 304 stainless showed that one CNMG120408 insert machines 180 min before the flank wear reaches 0.3 mm, while the solid tool needed replacement after 90 min.
Because the insert seats on a tough steel holder, vibrations are also lower, giving Ra 0.6 µm surface finish without a second pass.
Stocking a small box of CNMG, WNMG and TNMG inserts covers most turning jobs, reduces tool inventory by 40 % and keeps the spindle running.
Details are on www.cutoutiltools.com.
