Turning Tools Suppliers

A turning tool is a cutting tool used in lathe machines to remove material from a workpiece by rotating it against a stationary cutting tool. An insert is a replaceable cutting edge that is mounted on the turning tool. Inserts are made of various materials such as carbide, ceramic, and diamond and come in various shapes and sizes to suit different cutting operations. Inserts are designed to be easily replaced when they become dull or damaged, making them a cost-effective solution for machining operations.

Turning tools and inserts are made from a variety of materials, including high-speed steel (HSS), carbide, ceramic, and diamond. HSS is a common material for turning tools and inserts, as it is durable and can withstand high temperatures. Carbide is another popular material, known for its hardness and resistance to wear. Ceramic inserts are used for high-speed machining and can withstand extreme temperatures. Diamond inserts are the hardest and most wear-resistant, making them ideal for machining hard materials such as composites and ceramics.

There are several types of turning tools and inserts available, including:

• Carbide inserts: These are made of carbide material and are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear.
• Ceramic inserts: These are made of ceramic material and are known for their high heat resistance and ability to withstand high cutting speeds.
• High-speed steel (HSS) inserts: These are made of high-speed steel and are known for their toughness and ability to maintain sharp edges.
• Diamond inserts: These are made of diamond material and are known for their high hardness and ability to cut through hard materials.
• CBN (cubic boron nitride) inserts: These are made of CBN material and are known for their high heat resistance and ability to cut through hard materials.
• Boring bars: These are used for boring holes and come in various shapes and sizes.
• Grooving tools: These are used for creating grooves in materials and come in various shapes and sizes.
• Threading tools: These are used for creating threads in materials and come in various shapes and sizes.

Parting tools: These are used for cutting off parts from a workpiece and come in various shapes and sizes.

Carbide turning tools and inserts are made of a combination of tungsten carbide and cobalt. They are known for their hardness and resistance to wear, making them ideal for cutting hard materials like steel and stainless steel. High-speed steel turning tools and inserts, on the other hand, are made of a combination of carbon steel and other elements like tungsten, molybdenum, and chromium. They are known for their toughness and ability to withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for cutting softer materials like aluminum and brass. Overall, carbide tools are more expensive but offer longer tool life and better performance on hard materials, while high-speed steel tools are more affordable and better suited for softer materials.

The advantages of using a turning tool and insert include:

• Versatility: Turning tools and inserts can be used for a wide range of turning operations, including roughing, finishing, and threading.
• Efficiency: Turning tools and inserts are designed to remove material quickly and efficiently, reducing cycle times and increasing productivity.
• Consistency: Inserts are designed to provide consistent cutting performance, ensuring that each part is machined to the same high standard.
• Cost-effectiveness: Inserts are typically less expensive than solid carbide tools, making them a cost-effective option for high-volume production runs.
• Flexibility: Inserts can be easily replaced when they become worn or damaged, allowing for quick tool changes and minimizing downtime.
• Improved surface finish: Inserts are designed to provide a smooth surface finish, reducing the need for additional finishing operations.

Reduced tool chatter: Inserts are designed to reduce tool chatter, resulting in a more stable cutting process and improved part quality.

Choosing the right turning tool and insert for your project depends on several factors such as the material being turned, the desired finish, and the type of cut needed. Some tips for choosing the right tool and insert include considering the tool's shape and size, the insert's geometry and coating, and the cutting speed and feed rate. It is also important to consider the tool's rigidity and stability to prevent chatter and vibration during the turning process. Consulting with a tooling expert or referring to manufacturer recommendations can also help in selecting the appropriate tool and insert for your project.

Turning tools and inserts come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including:

• Round inserts: These are circular in shape and are used for general turning and facing operations.
• Square inserts: These have four corners and are used for roughing and finishing operations.
• Triangle inserts: These have three corners and are used for turning and facing operations.
• Diamond inserts: These have two acute angles and two obtuse angles and are used for finishing and profiling operations.
• Octagonal inserts: These have eight sides and are used for roughing and finishing operations.
• C-shaped inserts: These have a curved shape and are used for profiling and finishing operations.
• T-shaped inserts: These have a T-shape and are used for grooving and parting operations.

The sizes of turning tools and inserts vary depending on the specific application and machine being used. They can range from small inserts for precision work to larger inserts for heavy-duty machining.

To maintain and sharpen your turning tool and insert, follow these steps:

• Clean the tool and insert regularly to remove any debris or buildup.
• Use a honing stone or diamond file to sharpen the cutting edge of the tool or insert.
• Use a honing guide to ensure that the angle of the cutting edge is consistent.
• Check the tool or insert for any signs of wear or damage, and replace it if necessary.
• Use a lubricant or coolant when turning to reduce friction and heat buildup.
• Store the tool or insert in a dry, clean place to prevent rust or corrosion.

Consider investing in a sharpening jig or system to make the sharpening process easier and more consistent.

A roughing turning tool is designed to remove material quickly and efficiently from a workpiece. It usually has a large cutting edge and a high rake angle, which allows it to cut through the material with ease. A finishing turning tool, on the other hand, is designed to give a smoother finish to the workpiece. It has a smaller cutting edge and a lower rake angle, which results in a slower but more precise cut. The inserts used in each tool also differ in their shape, size, and cutting edge geometry. Roughing inserts are typically larger and have a more aggressive geometry, while finishing inserts are smaller and have a more delicate geometry for a smoother finish. Overall, the main difference between a roughing and a finishing turning tool is the level of material removal and the type of finish they produce.

However, based on previous research, the price range for turning tools and inserts in Australia can vary depending on the brand, quality, and type of tool. Generally, the price range can start from around $10 for basic tools and inserts and can go up to several hundred dollars for high-end, specialized tools. It is recommended to check with local suppliers or online retailers for current pricing information.