Cutting Grades Increase Stability in Gray Cast, Ductile Iron

New from Sumitomo Electric Carbide, the AC4010K- and AC4015K-series turning grades for cast iron feature recently-developed technologies that result in longer and stable tool life. Consisting of a smooth cutting edge treatment, the AC4000K series’ use of high-adhesion technology drastically improves peeling resistance. In addition, crystal orientation control technology similar to that used in the company’s Absotech coatings, and a hardened TiCN coating layer provides double the wear resistance during cast iron machining compared with conventional products.

Recommended for high-speed and high-efficiency cutting of gray cast iron, the extra-thick coating of the AC4010K grade allows for ultra-high-speed machining (Vc of up to 2,300 sfm). Its special surface treatment provides more than twice the compressive stress and two times the chipping resistance compared with conventional products, according to the company.

While gray cast iron is known for its chemical abrasiveness, ductile and nodular iron machines very differently. Recommended for the general purpose cutting of ductile cast iron, the high-adhesion and high-strength coating of the AC4015K grade provides longer and stable tool life when compared to conventional grades. AC4015K is also capable of high-speed machining, even in ductile or nodular iron, up to 1,500 sfm.

The wide range of applications and parts for the AC4010K includes cast iron brake discs, flywheels, differential cases, gear cases and cam shafts as well as standard gear parts. Chipbreaker selection includes the EGU for low-rigidity setups, the ENZ for general finishing, the EGZ for extra cutting edge strength, and the EME for strong and sharp high-feed roughing as well as heavy machining. Sumitomo also offers a large variety of no-chipbreaker (also known as “flat-top”) geometries for various roughing and heavy machining applications. Sumitomo also offers this item in the EGUW wiper geometry for heavy-feed applications.