Insert Coating Eases Detection of Used Edges

Available in a range of insert sizes and geometries to accommodate roughing as well as finishing operations, Seco’s Duratomic TP2501, TP1501 and TP0501 turning grades balance toughness and hardness when machining steel alloys, cast iron and stainless steels. To ease detection of used edges, the inserts use a 0.1-micron-thick chrome-colored coating; black aluminum oxide showing through the chrome-colored coating indicates a used insert edge and enables operators on busy shop floors to more easily spot them. The high-contrast used-edge marks do not impact tool performance or machining-related parameters such as cutting data. As a result, the company says, manufacturers can process more parts per edge, limit production interruptions and reduce waste.

The grades represent an evolution and expansion of Seco’s Duratomic textured aluminum-oxide coating technology, first introduced in 2007. The CVD coating process manipulates coating components at an atomic level to achieve improved mechanical and thermal properties and enhance performance, the company says. Seco adds that the inserts combine the benefits of the coating technology as well as the design of the substrate, which includes cobalt-enriched zones for added wear resistance.