05-24-2017, 08:46 AM
Wong,
Looking at the pics on the website, that insert (TP_N1603) has too little clearance and zero back rake, which is one reason why it's not working well for aluminum. The cutting edge on inserts for steel is also not very sharp, so the aluminum just sort of gets dragged along leaving a lousy finish. Carbide inserts are extremely specific in their application, so you'll need to find one with the proper geometry and composition for the specific material and alloy you are machining. That's why I'm such a fan of HSS for general machining.
Tom
Looking at the pics on the website, that insert (TP_N1603) has too little clearance and zero back rake, which is one reason why it's not working well for aluminum. The cutting edge on inserts for steel is also not very sharp, so the aluminum just sort of gets dragged along leaving a lousy finish. Carbide inserts are extremely specific in their application, so you'll need to find one with the proper geometry and composition for the specific material and alloy you are machining. That's why I'm such a fan of HSS for general machining.
Tom
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