Published 4/28/2023

Walter Indexable Inserts Provide Improved Wear Resistance

WBH20C indexable inserts provide excellent layer bonding and long tool life due to the patent-pending method for pretreatment.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

Photo Credit: Walter USA LLC

Walter has introduced the CBN-grade WBH20C indexable inserts for hard machining with a high level of wear resistance. This capability is possible due to a combination of CBN and a patent-pending TiAlN (titanium aluminum nitride) PVD HiPIMS (high-power impulse magnetron sputtering) coating with a ZrN (zirconium nitride) top layer. The application range for the CBN-tipped inserts includes hard steels (ISO H) up to 65 HRC.

According to Walter, excellent layer bonding and long tool life is possible due to the patent-pending method for pretreating the indexable insert. Wear detection is provided by the light-colored top coating.

The ISO indexable inserts are available with or without the MW wiper geometry. They are available in the basic shapes of CCGW2, CCGW3, CNGA4, DCGW3, DNGA4, TCGW2, VCGW2 and VBGW3.

In addition, the WBH20C WL25 indexable inserts are full-radius copy turning inserts with Walter Lock (WL) positive engagement. The WL positive engagement is said to provide maximum stability and precision for reliable machining of contours. With pocket support right under the cutting edge, and exceptional ability to prevent vibrations, the WL positive engagement is said to perform better than the conventional V-shaped or full-radius grooving inserts.

The WBH20C grade features a 65 percent CBN content, a ceramic binder and bimodal grain size with a diameter of less than 39 millionths/159 millionths of an inch (1.0 µm/4.0 µm). Maximum purity of the CBN substrate is used.

If the machining process constraints mandate the coolant to be “ON,” then the WBH20C is said to be an effective grade for wet-turning applications. The CBN indexable inserts are suitable and recommended for use with coolant. Examples of workpiece material recommendations include bearing steel, such as AISI 52100 (100Cr6), and heat treatable steels, such as AISI 1045 and AISI 4140. The use of CBN grade WBH20C indexable inserts replaces grinding in many application areas, such as when turning gears.