Germany-based Walter has launched new indexable insert grades for turning ISO K materials. The new WBK20 and WBK30 CBN grades have been developed specifically for the finishing of cast iron and heavy interrupted cutting.

The WBK20 grade has a grain size of just 3.0μm, which makes it perfect for the high-performance finishing of cast iron whereas the new WBK30 with a grain size of 10.0μm makes it suitable for productive turning in ISO H designated materials, especially when finishing with a heavily interrupted cut.

The two new CBN grades have been manufactured from a next-generation substrate with a high CBN content that has the flexibility and durability that makes the grades suitable for rough and finish turning of sintered steels.

The WBK20 indexable inserts are ‘tipped’ and this ‘CBN tip’ is securely applied to the corners of the indexable insert employing modern vacuum brazing methods. This guarantees adhesion and performance even under the most challenging of machining circumstances.

In contrast, the WBK30 grade is made from a solid CBN substrate that allows manufacturers to achieve higher cutting speeds and subsequently higher productivity rates when cutting cast iron. The performance of these new arrivals far exceeds existing carbide grade indexable inserts in terms of cutting speeds and feeds as well as tool life.

In addition to the high-precision manufacturing technology applied to the new grades, a strong micro-geometry on the cutting edge also contributes to the high quality, productivity and process reliability of the turning insert.

This micro-geometry is matched to the respective application of the Walter insert grades. Walter is offering the new WBK20 and WBK30 CBN insert grades in all of the popular ISO sizes and insert corner radii, thereby completing Walter’s extensive CBN turning range.

The new grades are particularly beneficial for users in the automotive industry, general mechanical engineering and energy sectors.