Page 40 - Iscar Article 2_2017

The indexable inserts are sintered products.
Integrating dedicated automated and computer
controlled systems into the tool fabrication
facilities ensured both stability and repeatability
in the powder metallurgy processes. As a result,
pressing complicated forms became possible
without fear of cracks, and a technological base
for forming challenging geometries of inserts
was developed.

A surface that ensures satisfactory chip control,
particularly chip breaking, is a combination of
concave and convex elements: grooves, bosses,
etc. Manufacturing this surface by grinding is both
very limited and expensive. This is one of the main
reasons why the first generations of the indexable
inserts featured flat forms. In contrast, with the
use of powder metallurgy the rake face of an
insert can be configured as desired.

Today, cutting tool design engineers have at
their disposal advanced working tools such as
computer-aided design (CAD) and modeling,
which have essentially changed the process
of insert development. The new methods have
opened up the possibility of simulating various
processes, such as chip formation and chip
flow. Consequently, an optimal geometry may
be designed on a computer by changing various
parameters of the virtual insert.

Progress on both fronts - manufacturing
technology and design methods - has led to
important breakthroughs in the production of
indexable inserts.

INSERT FOR STAINLESS STEEL INSERT FOR STEEL

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