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7x10, 7x12, 7x14 Mini-Lathe Information

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INDEXABLE INSERT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM CHART AND TIPS

Ever feel overwhelmed at all the choices out there for indexable inserts? Us too.. So we've created a chart and provided some tips on how to select and use them.

The basics... The first thing to look at are the shapes of the insert (square, triangle, circle, etc..), how they're held (with our without a through hole), size/tolerance, material, and chip "control".

For most of us, triangle inserts are what we're first exposed to. After all, places like ENCO have inexpensive 5-piece tool holders that use these. One of the things you'll also want to consider is the cost of tooling up with inserts. While the holders may not cost a whole lot, the inserts themselves can range anywhere between $1 and $20+ !!

Off we go... The indexable insert system uses a 10-digit schema to describe it. Most notably are the first four letters whic describe the shape, relief angle, tolerance, and insert type:

For example, CNMG describes an insert that's diamond (rhombic) shaped, has zero degree of relief, class M tolerance (more in the tables), double-sided chip breaker and through-hole mount. And that's just the first four placeholders!

Stay tuned...

position
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
inch
C
N
M
G
4
3
2
metric
C
N
M
G
12
04
08

 

position 1 - shape
SYMBOL SHAPE
INSERT
SHAPE
NOSE ANGLE (DEGREE)
S
SQUARE
90
T
TRIANGULAR
60
C
RHOMBIC (DIAMOND)
80
D
55
E
75
F
50
M
86
V
35
W
HEXAGONAL (TRIGON)
80
H
HEXAGONAL
120
O
OCTAGONAL
135
P
PENTAGONAL
108
L
RECTANGULAR
90
A
PARALLELOGRAM-SHAPED
85
B
82
N/K
55
R
ROUND
N/A

 

position 2 - relief angle
N
0
A
3
B
5
C
7
P
11
D
15
E
20
F
25
G
30

 

position 3 - tolerance (uncoated only)

coated inserts (class M and U) see other chart

tolerance class
tolerance on "IC" insert inscribed circle
tolerance on "B"
tolerance on "T" thickness
in
mm
in
mm
in
mm
D
+/- .0010
+/- 0,025
+/- .0005
+/- 0,013
+/- .0010
+/- 0,025
H
+/- .0005
+/- 0,013
+/- .0005
+/- 0,013
+/- .0010
+/- 0,025
E
+/- .0010
+/- 0,025
+/- .0010
+/- 0,025
+/- .0010
+/- 0,025
G
+/- .0010
+/- 0,025
+/- .0010
+/- 0,025
+/- .0005
+/- 0,013
M
see other chart
see other chart
+/- .0005
+/- 0,013
U
see other chart
see other chart
+/- .0005
+/- 0,013

 

position 4 - insert type
insert type
alternate symbols
symbol
hole
shape of hole
chipbreaker
shape of insert (section view)
ordinary system
IC less than 1/4"
N
without
N/A
without
N
E
R
N/A
single sided
R
F
N/A
double sided
F
A
with
cylindrical hole
without
A
D
M
single sided
M
G
double sided
G
W
partially cylindrical hole - 40-60 degree single countersink
without
A
T
single sided
M
Q
partially cylindrical hole - 40-60 degree double countersink
without
A
U
double sided
G
B
partially cylindrical hole - 70-90 degree single countersink
without
A
H
single sided
M
C
partially cylindrical hole - 70-90 degree double countersink
without
A
J
double sided
G
X
special
X
X

 

 

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