Turning Insert Colors

[Micke S]

I got a mix of different inserts with a tool holder. There are three types of inserts, gold, grey and black colored. Is there any general connection between these colors and the material they are optimized for? They are Sandvik inserts but I don't have the part numbers.

 

[T Bredehoft]

Gold is probably TiN, Titanium Nitride, a VERY hard coating. When applied to Carbine, it is really hard. Gray could be raw carbide, Black is a coating, but beyond my pay scale.

 

[4GSR]

They just indicate two different coatings and the third as being plain. Other than that, doesn't help you much. Do what I do, just use them as is. They either will cut good or they will not cut worth a flip! The one's that don't cut good or hold up an edge very long may indicate they are for a pacific material that you are not cutting at the moment.

 

[Paul in OKC]

Gold normally is a TiN, titanium nitride. Black could be TiAIN, gray might be uncoated. Coatings are used to prolong the cutting life of the insert. Some coatings allow you to work the insert harder than an uncoated in similar cutting conditions.
http://www.sandvik.coromant.com/en-...utting_tool_materials/coated_cemented_carbide

 

[Silverbullet]

Sure would be nice if all the cutters and holders at least had a matching number or lettering , it would be so much easier to get the right holder or insert . No they must be run by the government with classified operations. Why don't they have some guide that's easy to understand???

 

[Wreck™Wreck]

The edge design of an insert will tell you more about what material it is intended for than any coating that it may have.
For instance a negative rake insert with a large (by this I mean visible) radius on the cutting edge will be excellent in steels and other tough materials such as some bronze alloys.

A negative insert with a molded chip breaker that as a result of this has a large positive rake and very sharp edge will work well in aluminum and plastics, not so well in steels, you may get an excellent finish for short period.

The various coating technologies are mostly aimed at heat control and keeping the material being turned from sticking to the tool, the users of HSS tools are very familiar with the built up edge problem.

Carbide tools do not dull in the traditional sense as they are all sintered, small grains of carbide molded by pressure and heat with a binder into solids, then ground. When the microscopic grains begin to leave the tool it is over. It is called cemented carbide, the cemented part has mostly been forgotten.

 

[kd4gij]

This site has a lot of good info on tool holders and inserts. I have found it quit useful.

http://www.carbidedepot.com/resources.htm

 

[kingmt01]

I wish there was a universal standard. But then I guess that would limit your choices.

 

[Ebel440]

Black is most likely titanium aluminum nitride. Don't use it on aluminum it will stick to the plating. It's generally on inserts for harder materials anyway so it won't work well on softer metals due to the shape.

 

[Downunder Bob]

I got a mix of different inserts with a tool holder. There are three types of inserts, gold, grey and black colored. Is there any general connection between these colors and the material they are optimized for? They are Sandvik inserts but I don't have the part numbers.

If you are sure they are Sandvick drop them a line or call they will help.