There are several primary tooling concerns when machining aluminum, and a material grade used in inserts is said to deal with all of them, according to supplier Taegutec.

The company said its high productivity polycrystalline diamond (PCD) grade TD810 provides optimal machining performance on aluminum and non-ferrous materials due to its hybrid mixture of fine and coarse diamonds.

Taegutec noted that the grade deals with concerns common in the industry such as minimising the tendency of aluminum to stick to the tool’s cutting edges, ensuring good chip evacuation from the cutting edge and ensuring the tool’s core strength can withstand the cutting forces without breaking.

The grade is said to offer a combination of excellent wear resistance and toughness, which results in a quality surface finish during high speed machining applications and stability during continuous and interrupted cutting applications on aluminum, brass, plastic and wood as well as other non-ferrous materials.

Furthermore, the grade combines the power of higher productivity and economical solutions while eliminating the build-up of edges during rough as well as finishing jobs, the company said. During a cutting test on an AC9B-aluminum (HB 140-160) work piece, Taegutec said it found tool life was increased 32% when using the grade. For this test, the company said it used a CNMA 120408 LN-10 insert at speeds of 500 m/min, a feed rate of 0.1 mm/rev and a depth of cut of 0.5 mm.

With this new PCD grade, Taegutec said it has expanded on an important element in tool design and minimises concerns about machining aluminum at high speeds.