WNT diamond inserts feature lasered chipbreakers

WNT is offering a range of diamond-tipped turning inserts with a choice of two precision chipbreaker forms, developed for the high-performance machining of aluminium components.

The range of inserts from WNT (UK) are available in polycrystaline diamond (PCD) in fine and coarse grains sizes as well as synthetic diamond (CVD).

A range of laser machined diamond tipped turning inserts from WNT finely controls swarf when machining aluminium and light alloys.

Swarf can now be finely controlled using either the CB1 or CB2 designated chipbreakers that are lasered into the diamond segment of the insert.

'The fine control that we can now achieve with the laser process allows us to remove micron-thick layers of diamond to achieve extremely precise chipbreaker forms to virtually any shape,' said Tony Pennington, managing director, WNT (UK).

'Being able to control the swarf produced means that productivity can be increased and the finished component is protected against damage caused by swarf nesting,' he added.

The inserts are available in a variety of ISO standard shapes, including CCGT, DCGT, RCGT, SCGT, TCGT and VCGT, and with a selection of corner radii between 0.1mm and 1.2mm.

Combined with the two chipbreaker forms and three grades of diamond, this ensures that the range suits the vast majority of turning operations.

The CB1 chipbreaker style is suitable for finishing and super finishing to a depth of cut between 0.05mm and 1.5mm.

The extremely sharp cutting edge creates the minimum of cutting pressure, which also makes it suitable for machining thin-walled components and unstable workpieces.

For semi-finishing and finishing operations the CB2 geometry features a negative edge preparation, produces high surface quality at depths of cut between 0.5mm and 2mm and operates best on solid workpieces under stable conditions.

The three grades of diamond are PCD, PCD-S and CVD-D.

PCD features a fine grain structure to provide a sharper cutting edge and lower cutting forces, and is designed for fine finishing in materials with low levels of abrasiveness.

PCD-S has a more coarse grain structure and is better suited to cut materials with higher levels of abrasiveness.

The CVD-D grade is aimed at super finishing due to its extremely fine grain structure and its ability to be formed to very close tolerances.