Matching inserts to tool holders.

Over the last few months I have been buying up carbide inserts whenever I can get them cheap (that means very, very cheap). One box of tips I have are diamond shaped and for them I made a RH tool holder and they work very well but due to the tiny radius on the cutting point I think these were meant only for finishing because I have applied some heavy cuts on MS and duffed a couple up. I need to learn a lot more about modern inserts

I have spent much time on line trying to get my head round which tips go with which holder but I think I must be missing the plot. For example: I have a quantity of parting/grooving tips that I would like to use - PLANSEE TIZIT FX 4.1N0.20-M1 - but how do I go about finding what holder would accept them?

I've noticed that abbreviations like - TNMG, CNMG, DCMT etc. keep cropping up but I don't know what they refer to, has anyone a link perhaps to a chart that explains what they mean? Also, do these abbreviations refer to generic patterns because if they do it would make it easier to match an insert to a holder - wouldn't it?

Confused from Bucks

aka Rik

Rik,

Something like this or this you are looking for?

Thor

Rik

I think you will find that the letters TCMT etc refer to the insert shape. TCMT are basically triangular, DCMT are I believe diamond shape. Then comes a series of numbers often these refer to the size of the insert, the thickness and the tip radius. With the TCMT tips I use it goes something like TCMT 110204 where the 11 is insert size, 02 is the thickness and 04 is the tip radius. The dimensions are in millimeters with the exception being the tip radius which is tenths of a millimeter. A useful reference is the Sandvik catalogue which can be downloaded for free. Lately I have seen a new set of letters being used.

Cheers

Martin

Thor

Our posts seem to crossed 

Rik

There is a lot of data here under the 'access here' download button some of which may be helpful.

Edited By Martin W on 24/03/2014 18:22:24

Edited By Martin W on 24/03/2014 18:34:25

I find teh one on pages 452 & 453 here quite easy to follow

Yes the 4 letter codes you quote are all common inserts. Only the first letter refers to shape

Edited By JasonB on 24/03/2014 18:26:47

Jason

Thats a good reference for insert data, thanks. Then of course one runs into the chip breaker shape and what material it is intended for etc, that said each insert will cover a range of materials to a greater or lesser degree. Certainly the Sandvik inserts are supplied with this information.

Martin

Edited By Martin W on 24/03/2014 18:59:34

PLANSEE TIZIT FX 4.1N0.20-M1 - but how do I go about finding what holder would accept them?

Thanks for all your info so far but I remain in the dark re: the above.

Rik

(Turn the lights on someone)

Google suggests the holders may be here

Jason - Many thanks for the link, most helpful. I think that what I am trying to do - matching various makes and patterns of inserts to various manufacturers tool holders is bound to be confusing because of the lack of continuity of codes, and descriptions.

Still, I have chosen to tread this mucky path for the sake of economy and on my head be it - SPLAT!

Rik

Why not make your own holders? You could use cheap holders as a start and make them suit your inserts.

Alternatively just use some square stock with the ends milled and drilled for a fixing screw?

John

John - I've tried it and find it boring.

Rik

It does not take long to make holders and they cost next to nothing as well. The proper torx screws are also available on ebay. The triangular tips are the easiest to make holders for since thay just need cutting to depth in a straight line at a 60 degree angle at the end of the holder. The diamond ones need a bit more work but are easily copied from commercial ones. Not the least bit boring, but if it is boring you want, these holders are quite easy to make as well!

Doug

Here's a well worn, home made tool of mine, the insert is 16 mm per side. I             Ian S C 

Edited By Ian S C on 25/03/2014 10:24:13