Kennametal Indexable Milling Grades for Cast Iron Alloys

Available for many indexable milling product lines, the new grades come with a golden top layer for fast, easy wear identification, ensuring maximum tool life for each cutting edge. Photo Credit: Kennametal

Kennametal’s KCK20B and KCKP10 indexable milling grades are said to offer higher wear resistance and up to 30% longer tool life when machining cast iron and compacted graphite iron components. Both grades offer higher productivity and consistent, repeatable performance during roughing, semifinishing and finishing operations.

“The new grades feature High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (High-PIMS) technology that provides a smoother insert surface and optimal layer adhesion for less flank wear — one of the leading causes of insert failure,” says Gil Getz, Kennametal product manager.

Getz notes that the new coating technology also increases cutting edge strength. “The result is high-performance milling in a broad range of cast iron alloys, including gray cast iron, ductile cast iron, and compacted graphite cast iron,” Getz adds.

KCK20B and KCKP10 are suitable for wet or dry cuts. These include rotor hubs used in windmills, pump housings, steering knuckles and gear housings for heavy equipment, and automotive components like crankshafts and cylinder heads. While KCK20B delivers higher productivity in roughing and semifinishing operations, KCKP10 is applicable for finishing operations, but also works exceptionally well when profiling and copy milling cast iron and steels up to 45HRC.

“For customers where high tooling cost and downtime associated with tool changes are especially important, KCK20B and KCKP10 grades promise to increase tool life tremendously,” Getz says. “And for those who wish to increase throughput, the new grades deliver there as well. Either way, it is a win-win for any shop machining cast iron.”