With the introduction of its new GX series of inserts for groove-turning applications, NTK Cutting Tools, Hemel Hempstead (www.ntkcuttingtools.co.uk), offers what it says is the world’s first triangular 3-D chip-breaker geometry. GX inserts have been developed to improve surface finishes and chip removal, while also removing any swarf at the end of the grooving process. The insert geometry features a chip-breaker design with a central protrusion that shapes and curls chips in a manner that not only improves swarf evacuation but also reduces cutting forces. Furthermore, to improve these inserts’ side-machining capabilities, they in-corporate a polished outer periphery.

PVD-coated, these carbide inserts are available with a cutting depth of 2 or 3mm and with a corner radius of 0.05, 0.10 or 0.20mm to minimise edge breakages and extend tool life when machining difficult-to-cut materials. They are available in cutting widths of 0.75, 0.95, 1.00, 1.50, 2.00 and 3.00mm; and to allow customers operating a variety of machine types to benefit from the new GX series, NTK has made the new geometry available with a range of tool-holders.

These include GTT, Y-GTT, DS-GTT, CH-GTT, GT-OHH and Y-GTT-OH, meaning that users have the option of tool-holders in right- or left-hand designations and with or without through coolant. Square-shank holders are available in the range 8-20mm, while round-shank holders are available in diameters from 13 to 24mm. Length options range from 80 to 150mm.