PVD Inserts for Medical Parts Made from Difficult to Machine Materials

Walter USA, LLC (Waukesha, WI) offers their of Tiger·tec® Silver PVD coated inserts that are designed for the efficient machining of stainless steel, high temperature alloys (ISO-M and ISO-S) and other materials with properties making them difficult to machine. The inserts are also effective for some small steel (ISO-P) components in mass production. Machining these materials is challenging, particularly if low cutting force is required, such as when finish turning small, delicate components or boring internal diameters. The PVD aluminum oxide coating protects the inserts from wear, particularly at high temperatures. And since many ISO-M and ISO-S materials are poor thermal conductors, the heat protection function of the coating is particularly important.

The advantage for the user is a significantly longer tool life and higher cutting speed capability. Plus, since the deposition is carried out via the PVD process that uses lower process temperatures, the fine-grain carbide substrate retains more of its original toughness. Tiger·tec Silver PVD offers both high temperature wear resistance and excellent toughness, and the special surface smoothing on the rake face keeps heat generation in check because it reduces friction. Due to the lower PVD layer thicknesses, very sharp cutting edges are maintained, which is a prerequisite for a soft cutting action or low cutting forces.

These Tiger·tec Silver PVD inserts launch three new PVD grades: WSM10S, WSM20S and WSM30S. These new inserts are available in three positive geometries: FM4 for finishing operations, MM4 for universal use including both 7 deg and 11 deg positive rake and RM4 for roughing operations. They are typically used in medical applications.

Walter USA, LLC, N22 W23855 Ridgeview Parkway West, Waukesha, WI 53188, 800-945-5554, www.walter-tools.com/us.