T-Style Ceramic Inserts, Holders Extends Tool Strength, Stability for Difficult Materials

Seco has expanded the roughing and semi-finishing performance capabilities of its Secomax CS100 sialon ceramic grade by adding inserts with T-style edge preparation. Featuring a free-cutting, extremely sharp geometry, the new inserts bring strength, stability and longevity to the machining of nickel-based superalloys in unstable conditions. 

Well-suited for turning applications that require tight tolerances and low cutting forces, the T-style (chamfered) CS100 inserts are available in 20-degree chamfers that range from 0.002" to 0.004" (0.05 mm to 0.1 mm) in width. The sharp, negative reinforced cutting edges on these inserts absorb some of the high cutting force and pressure that would otherwise be placed on the machine setups and workpieces. As a result, these inserts eliminate the risk of workpiece deformation, especially in thin-walled components, as well as reduce excessive vibrations that shorten tool life and negatively impact surface finish.

The characteristics of the T-style inserts complement the existing S-style (chamfered and honed) CS100 products designed to handle high cutting forces in rigid, stable machining conditions. Collectively, the T-style and S-style inserts in the CS100 line have high abrasion resistance and toughness that extend tool life and enable high cutting speeds when processing challenging materials such as Inconel, MAR, RENE and Waspaloy. The inserts are ideal for achieving high productivity, consistent quality, and a low cost per part in the aerospace and power generation industries, the company says.

In addition, the company has added N-class (Quick-Line) ceramic insert holders. Available in standard shaft and Seco-Capto styles, these holders have special pocket designs and clamping systems that accommodate the different thicknesses and missing center-mounting holes that are common with these types of inserts.