Tooling & Workholding

Turning Tools
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Turning involves a fixed and non-rotating cutter, because in turning, the workpiece spins instead of the tool. Turning tools typically consist of a replaceable insert in a turning tool body. The insert can be distinctive in a number of ways, including shape, material, coating and geometry. The shape can be round to maximize edge strength, diamond-shaped to allow a sharp point to cut fine features, square, or even octagonal to increase the number of separate edges that can be applied as one edge after another wears out. The material is typically carbide, though ceramic, cermet or diamond inserts can be applied to more demanding applications. A variety of protective coatings also help these insert materials cut faster and last longer. The geometry of the insert generally relates to its cutting angles, though the tool may also include a complex chipbreaker pattern that prevents long unbroken chips from becoming entangled in the cut. The turning tool body generally does not feature quite so much engineering, but even here there are a range of choices for fine-tuning the process. Quick-change tools involve modular bodies that allow replacement tool bodies to be swapped in and out and locked in place quickly to minimize setup time. The turning tool body can also channel high-pressure coolant more effectively to the cutting edge of the tool.

» Titanium and HRSA Machining

Featured Zone Content

December 2011
hard machining

Success Factors for Hard Turning


A rigid machine and hard cutting edge are the beginning. Other considerations relate to system rigidity and keeping the cutting force steady.

July 2009
form tool

Video: Form Tools On CNC Lathes


Form tools are traditionally associated with non-CNC machines, but in certain applications they make sense on modern machines as well.

June 2009
Custom step drill

See The Tool's Value Instead Of Its Cost


This company is embracing high-performance tooling on its turning centers. The "sticker shock" is no reason not to do this. In one case, though, the shop found a way to limit the cost of the tool and increase productivity at the same time.



May 2013

Save Time with Polygon Turning

By: Chris Felix
Polygon turning provides the capability to manufacture both flat surfaces and radii.

December 2012

Cost Efficiency with Hard Part Turning

By: Rick Crabtree
Either as an alternative or complement to grinding, hard part turning offers a number of advantages that have become even more evident with further developments in insert concepts.

November 2012

A Guide to Insert Coating Processes and Materials

By: Don Graham
Few materials have had a greater impact on our economy and industrialized culture than cemented tungsten carbide.

October 2012

Capitalizing on Manufacturing’s Vitality

By: Chris Felix
Most sources indicate that manufacturing in the U.S. is on a very strong path right now.

August 2012

Thread Whirling Basics

By: Jeff Dei
The rapidly increasing demand for high-value threaded parts with exceptionally high length-to-diameter ratios has created a lot of interest in thread whirling technology among American shops and manufacturers.


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