Ceramic Grade Increases Productivity When Machining Hardened Steels, High-Temp Alloys, Cast Irons

Kennametal has introduced its latest ceramic turning grade, KYHK15B, designed to deliver increased productivity and lower cost per edge in hard turning operations. Hard turning is often considered for punch and die and mold industry segments, to name a few, for its ability to produce contours and to generate complex forms in hardened steels. 

According to Kennametal, its new ceramic turning grade provides greater depth of cut capabilities than PcBN inserts when machining hardened steel, high-temperature alloys and cast iron, as well as maximum tool life and wear resistance for the most demanding turning applications.

“KYHK15B provides excellent edge stability, high chipping resistance and a PVD [physical vapor deposition] gold coating makes wear progression identification easy,” Robert Keilmann, product manager, Kennametal, says. “From smooth and varying depths of cut, to heavy depths of cut, KYHK15B can be an economic alternative to PcBN inserts.”

KYHK15B builds on an existing line of high-performance ceramic turning grades. A broad range of styles, sizes and edge preparations are available. These include popular styles such as double-sided roughing and finishing inserts for predictable, cost-effective machining.