Article by Tungaloy Cutting Tool (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Economical Family of Grooving and Threading Tools Offer Highest Quality
Tungaloy’s TetraForce-Cut and TetraMini-Cut have transformed external grooving, part off and threading through considerable innovative advances in technology. The advantages when compared to conventional three cornered or dog-bone shaped grooving, part off and threading inserts offer overwhelmingly positive results.
The unique insert design offers four cutting edges making this an economical option for part off, grooving and threading.
Moreover, the benefits of this design go far beyond simple economics. The unique three-point clamping system insures high insert’s stability during machining and precise repeatability of the cutting-edge position, every new corner change. This means more accurate parts, less offsets, excellent surface finish and stable tool life. The pocket in the tool is designed to protect the unused cutting edges from accidental damage caused by chips. Even in the unlikely event of catastrophic failure, the insert can still use all the other edges.
The deep-dimple chip breaker curls the chip and prevents downtime due to chip packing. The chip breaker has a negative land which provides extreme fracture resistance, while the deep dimple delivers low cutting forces, allowing higher feed rates and reduced cycle times. The TetraForce-Cut line is available in a width range of 0.5mm to 3.18mm with numerous standard widths within this range available off the shelf. This insert is capable of radial depths of up to 6.4mm (0.25″)
TetraMini-Cut has all of the benefits of the TetraForce-Cut but is smaller insert with same features and offers even greater economy. The insert’s width varies from 0.33mm (0.013″) to 3.0mm (0.12″) with many widths within this range available as a standard, for grooving up to 3.5mm deep.
TetraMini-Cut are suitable to Swiss type machines for small parts machining, offering a variety of tools ranging from 10mm (0.4″) square shank, as well 20 (0.78″) & 25mm (1″) square shanks for standard lathe. TetraMini- Cut holders and inserts are also designed for machining next to shoulder, for higher efficiency. Tetra mini inserts are available with small radii, extremely sharp cutting edges and positive free cutting geometries, making the TetraMini-Cut ideal for general threading, grooving and parting off small, thin walled parts.
To further enhance this family Tungaloy has produced these inserts in its proprietary grade AH7025. This grade begins with a carbide substrate designed exclusively for grooving and threading applications. The coating is Tungaloy’s patented Nano-scale multi-layered AlTin PVD coating. This multilayered coating offers extreme adhesion that prevents the coating from flaking off the carbide. The multi-layered coating impedes microcracks from spreading. The outer surface of the coating is smooth to prevent any build up on the cutting edge. All of these features combine to offer unprecedented tool life, even at accelerated speeds.