Tungaloy-NTK UK launches raft of cutting tool grades

Aimed at the aerospace industry and its machining of heat-resistant superalloys (HRSA) and composite materials, Tungaloy-NTK UK is introducing a raft of new cutting tool grades. At the forefront of innovation for increasing productivity and efficiency is the new Bidemics grade of patented inserts, for example. Compared with whisker ceramics, which are renowned for high-speed machining, the Bidemic range can more than double cutting speed and significantly extend tool life, reports the company.

As part of the Bidemic family, Tungaloy-NTK UK is presenting its JX1 grade that offers cutting speeds close to 500 m/min on aerospace alloys. Suitable for turning, internal turning, grooving and boring applications, this  grade provides durability with fast cutting on hard materials. Complementing the JX1 grade is the new JX3. Where the JX1 offers wear resistance for long tool life, the JX3 grade is specifically for the toughest of machining operations. Perfect for roughing, profiling and semi-finishing, both the JX1 and JX3 can machine at parameters from 180 to 480 m/min with a depth of cut up to 2.5 mm and a feed rate up to 0.27 mm/rev.

Complementing the JX1 and JX3 series is the JP2 grade for high-performance finish-turning. Capable of cutting speeds 10 times higher than carbide equivalents, the JP2 can machine in the realms of 520 m/min, deliver surface finishes of Ra 0.6 µm with a feed rate of 0.15 mm/rev. The JP2 features multi-edges and a TiN coating to maximise durability and efficiency.

Providing added flexibility for high-performance turning, Tungaloy-NTK UK has also introduced its new BX815 CBN grade for high-speed finishing. Extending the application range of the patented JX and JP Bidemic grades, the BX815 is suitable for both external and internal finish-turning in the speed range from 80 to 500 m/min, making it the all rounder for manufacturers that demand exceptional surface finishes on heat resistant alloys.

Designed for machining superalloys, the BX815 incorporates alumina-based binders and zirconia grains that offer heat dissipation, oxidation and fracture resistance. Complementing this are the fine CBN particles that contribute to high surface finish.

Unlike ceramic grades of the past where capability and flexibility were compromised for performance, Tungaloy-NTK UK says its SX series changes that perception. Formulated to handle the intense demands of rough to semi-finish machining, the SX series offers a balanced combination of toughness and wear resistance, making them suitable for applications such as the machining of turbine casings and blades.

The SX3 Sialon ceramic grade is for the rough and semi-finish high-speed turning and milling of heat-resistant alloys, hitting its sweet spot on materials like Inconel 718 and Rene.

Also developed for the rough to semi-finishing of heat-resistant alloys, the SX7 Sialon ceramic grade provides improved boundary wear resistance to prevent cutting-edge degradation and breakage. With high thermal shock resistance and better flank wear resistance than other Sialon grades, the SX7 is the choice grade for semi-finishing turning, grooving and milling of materials like Inconel and Waspaloy. The SX7 is complemented by the SX9 – suitable for roughing operations in both milling and turning processes.

Last but not least is the new AH8000 series for machining HRSA materials – an all-rounder with insert geometries and grades for turning, grooving, threading and milling. The AH8000 incorporates the AH8005 and AH8015 grades with multi-layered nano AlTiN coating to enhance wear and heat resistance.

The AH8015 is a versatile grade that provides a balance between wear resistance and fracture resistance, making it the first choice for machining challenging materials under general cutting conditions. In contrast, the AH8005 grade is for finish machining. The UK team regularly encounters customers achieving surface finishes in the realms of Ra 0.6 µm when machining Inconel 718 at speeds over 150 m/min and feed rates of 0.15 mm/rev.