Kennametal Carbide Grade Chart
Understanding the various carbide grades offered by Kennametal is essential for selecting the appropriate tooling materials for specific machining applications. Kennametal provides a comprehensive range of carbide grades, each tailored to meet the demands of different materials and cutting conditions. This guide aims to provide an overview of Kennametal’s carbide grades, their characteristics, and suitable applications to assist in making informed decisions for optimal machining performance.
Overview of Kennametal Carbide Grades
Kennametal’s carbide grades are designed to offer a balance between hardness, toughness, wear resistance, and thermal stability. These grades are categorized based on their composition, grain size, binder content, and intended applications. The primary types of carbide grades include
- Submicron GradesThese grades feature ultra-fine grain sizes, providing excellent wear resistance and surface finish capabilities. They are ideal for high-speed machining of hard materials.
- Fine-Grain GradesOffering a balance between toughness and hardness, fine-grain grades are suitable for general-purpose machining of a variety of materials.
- Medium-Grain GradesThese grades provide enhanced toughness, making them suitable for machining tougher materials and applications involving interrupted cuts.
- Coarse-Grain GradesDesigned for high-impact and heavy-duty machining, coarse-grain grades offer superior toughness and are ideal for applications involving heavy cuts and high feed rates.
Key Kennametal Carbide Grades and Their Applications
Below is a selection of Kennametal’s carbide grades, highlighting their composition, characteristics, and typical applications
- KCU10A universal turning grade with a multilayer PVD coating, KCU10 offers improved edge stability and is suitable for machining steels, stainless steels, cast iron, and high-temperature alloys. It delivers enhanced tool life and higher-quality finishes.
- KCU25This grade features a multilayer PVD coating, making it versatile for turning, grooving, and cut-off applications. It is effective on steels, stainless steels, cast iron, high-temperature alloys, and non-ferrous materials.
- K313A fine-grain, unalloyed WC/Co grade with low binder content, K313 provides exceptional edge wear resistance and high strength. It is ideal for machining titanium, cast irons, austenitic stainless steels, non-ferrous metals, non-metals, and most high-temperature alloys.
- KPM56This medium-grain grade offers a balance between toughness and hardness, making it suitable for general-purpose machining of various materials.
- KPM58With a medium-grain structure, KPM58 provides enhanced toughness, making it suitable for machining tougher materials and applications involving interrupted cuts.
Factors Influencing Grade Selection
When selecting a carbide grade, several factors should be considered to ensure optimal performance
- Material TypeDifferent materials require specific carbide grades to achieve desired cutting performance. For instance, harder materials may necessitate submicron or fine-grain grades, while tougher materials may benefit from medium or coarse-grain grades.
- Cutting ConditionsFactors such as cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut influence the selection of carbide grades. High-speed machining may require grades with superior wear resistance, while heavy-duty applications may necessitate grades with enhanced toughness.
- Tool LifeThe desired tool life can impact grade selection. Grades with higher hardness and wear resistance typically offer longer tool life but may be more susceptible to chipping under tough conditions.
- Surface FinishAchieving a high-quality surface finish may require grades with fine grain sizes and excellent edge stability.
Choosing the appropriate carbide grade is crucial for achieving optimal machining performance. Kennametal’s extensive range of carbide grades offers solutions tailored to various materials and cutting conditions. By considering factors such as material type, cutting conditions, tool life, and desired surface finish, manufacturers can select the most suitable carbide grade to enhance productivity and tool longevity.