Insert Designations
Carbide inserts use a coding system of numbers and letters to describe their shape, dimensions, and important parameters. For
example, the designation of the insert shown in Figures 11-16 is a CNMG-433.
Figure 17: Carbide Insert Designation
Shape (CNMG-433)
There are at least 18 different shapes of carbide inserts. The most commonly used are shown in Table 8.1 with their letter designation.
The angle in this designation refers to the included nose angle at the cutting radius of the tool.
Table 8.1: Common Insert Shape Codes
Designation Shape
T Triangle
S Square
C 80 degree diamond
D 55 degree diamond
V 35 degree diamond
R Round
Clearance Angle (CNMG-433)
Clearance angle is the draft on the face(s) of the insert that contact material during machining. More about insert angles a little later.
Table 8.2: Common Insert Clearance Angles
Designation Clearance Angle
N 0 Degrees (No Draft)
A 3 Degrees
B 5 Degrees
C 7 Degrees
P 11 Degrees
Tolerance (CNMG-433)
This is how much variation is allowed in the dimensional size of the insert. Tolerances described with this parameter include the corner
point (nose radius), thickness, and I.C. Typical tolerances are shown in Table 8.3:
Table 8.3: Typical Insert Tolerances (Inch)
Designation Cornerpoint Thickness I.C.
M .002-.005 .005 .002-.005
G .001 .005 .001
E .001 .001 .001
K .0005 .001 .002-.005
Hole/Chip Breaker (CNMG-433)
The hole/chip breaker designation describes both features with one letter. The hole in the insert and tool holder must match. If no
letter exists in this field, then the insert does not have a hole to secure it to the holder, and is held by clamp force only.
Table 8.4: Common Insert Hole/Chip Breaker Configurations
Designation Hole Shape Chipbreaker Type
G Cylindrical Single-sided
W 40-60 deg, double c-sink None
R None Single-sided
T 40-60 deg, double c-sink Single-sided
P Cylindrical Hi-double positive
Z Cylindrical Hi-double positive
I.C. Size (CNMG-433)
Inserts are measured by the diameter of an inscribed circle. I.C.'s range from .0625 in to 1.25 in. Table 8.5 lists the sizes you are most
likely to use.
Table 8.5: Common Inscribed Circle Sizes
Designation Decimal (inch) Fractional (inch)
3 .375 3/8
4 .500 1/2
Thickness (CNMG-433)
Insert thickness.
Table 8.6: Common Insert Thickness
Designation Decimal (inch) Fractional (inch)
3 .187 3/16
4 .250 1/4
Nose Radius (CNMG-433)
Insert cutting nose radius.
Table 8.7: Common Cutting Nose Radius
Designation Decimal (inch) Fractional (inch)
1 .016 1/64
2 .031 1/32
3 .047 3/64
The insert shapes, sizes, and designations in these tables are just of few of what is available. Any lathe tool catalog or manufacturers
web site will show many more.
It is not important to memorize every tool shape or designation scheme. It is important to know insert terms and specifications to
understand insert recommendations from the tool representative or technical resource to select the correct insert for the application.
MCLN R/L for Negative 80º CNM_ Inserts
MCMN N for Negative 80º CNM_ Inserts
MCRN R/L for Negative 80º CNM_ Inserts
MCKN R/L for Negative 55º DNM_ Inserts
MDJN R/L for Negative 55º DNM_ Inserts
MDPN N for Negative 55º DNM_ Inserts
MRGN R/L for Negative RNM_ Inserts
MSDN N for Negative SNM_ Inserts
MSKN R/L for Negative SNM_ Inserts
MSRN R/L for Negative SNM_ Inserts
MSSN R/L for Negative SNM_ Inserts
MTEN N for Negative 60º TNM_ Inserts
MTFN R/L for Negative 60º TNM_ Inserts
MTGN R/L for Negative 60º TNM_ Inserts
MTJN R/L for Negative 60º TNM_ Inserts
MVJN R/L for Negative 35º VNM_ Inserts
MVVN N for Negative 35º VNM_ Inserts
MWLN R/L for Negative 80º WNM_ Inserts
SCLC R/L for Positive 80º CCMT Inserts
SCMC N for Positive 80º CCMT Inserts
SDJC R/L for Positive 55º DCMT Inserts
SDPC N for Positive 55º DCMT Inserts
SSDC N for Positive SCMT Inserts
STEC N for Positive 60º TCxx Inserts
STFC R/L for Positive 60º TCxx Inserts
STGC R/L for Positive 60º TCxx Inserts
STJC R/L for Positive 60º TCxx Inserts
SVJC R/L for Positive 35º VCxx Inserts
Mini Toolholder and Boring Bar Set
Lathe Tool Types
The following is a list of the most common lathe-specific tool types. While these are the most common types you are likely to use, they
represent only a small number of the tools that are available.
Note: For illustration purposes, the tools shown on the following pages are left-handed. Upper turret machines
mostly use right-handed tools.
Face / Turn
For facing and rough turning, use a more rigid tool such as a round, square, or 80 degree diamond. Finishing may require a more
versatile tool, such as a 55 or 35 degree diamond. These provide more side and end cutting angle relief to reach and contour part
details. Inserts must match the tool holder, and that means the right type, size, shape, and clamping feature(s).
Figure 8.18: Face/Turn Tool (Left Hand)
Groove
Groove tools are classified in part by their width and corner radii. Though used mostly for making groove features, such as O-ring or
snap-ring cuts, newer generations of these tools can be used for rough and finish contouring operations. While not the best choice for
all roughing and finishing, they work well in areas where a diamond or other shape cannot easily fit.
Besides there being many types of groove tools, there are many types of holders, depending mostly on the cut direction for the tool.
For example, there are groove holders for OD, ID, and Face grooves, and these are all available in Left Hand or Right Hand models.
Figure 8.19: Groove Tool (Left Hand)
Bore
Precision holes are often finished with a boring tool. Boring bar tools are mounted parallel to the machine spindle. They require a hole
in the part large enough to allow the bar to safely enter and exit the bore.
Figure 8.20: Boring Bar (Left Hand)
Thread
Tapped holes at the center of part, up to about one inch diameter, can be made using a form or cutting tap, just like on a mill. Larger
ID threads and all ID threads use a thread insert.
Thread tools are set to the tip of the thread point in Z and X. Z is set by touching off on the edge of the part, and then taking into
account the distance from this edge to the tip of the thread point, a distance included in the insert documentation.
Often a thread gage is used to check threads, and the X-offset for the thread tool adjusted to achieve the proper size and fit (Thread
Class).
Figure 8.21: OD Thread Tool (Left Handed)
Cutoff
Once the part is finished, it is usually parted, or cut off from the stock. A cutoff tool is a special kind of groove tool that is designed to
take deeper cuts. Cutoff tools are classified in part by their width and maximum cutting depth.
The blade shape of the cutoff tool allows it to cut deeper into the material than a groove tool. This shape does limit the side forces the
tool can withstand.
Figure 8.22: Cutoff Tool
