PVD-Applied Aluminum Oxide Layers For Applications

Walter is claiming a world first with the launch of PVD Tiger, indexable inserts within the Tiger.tec range that have aluminium oxide (Al2O3) layers applied by physical vapour deposition and thus making PVD Tiger suitable for most applications - from stainless steel through to difficult-to-machine materials including titanium and titanium alloys - and at the higher cutting speeds normally associated with inserts having coatings applied by CVD (chemical vapour deposition).

The result is that PVD Tiger can boost turning, milling and drilling performance by up to 75 per cent.

Until now, Tiger.tec inserts have been targeted at cast iron machining, and Al2O3 could only be applied via CVD, but Walter now presents its new portfolio of inserts (AD shape) to fit F4042 shoulder milling cutters and the F4238 porcupine cutter series, for example.

With high hardness and temperature values – 2300 HV and over 1,000 degC, respectively – the new PVD Tiger inserts produce less chipping on the cutting edges and reduced cratering.

Two grades are available: WSM35 for stainless and austenitic steels, as well as other difficult-to-machine materials and titanium alloys; and WSP45 for materials with difficult cutting properties and steel under unfavourable machining conditions.

SOURCE: Walter GB