Turning inserts are used on a lathe (a machine tool) for shaping metal. The main jobs are:
Reducing Diameter: To make a diameter smaller by cutting away material from the outside of a part.
Facing: To make a flat surface on the end of a part.
Cutting Grooves: To cut a narrow channel into the part.
Parting Off: To cut a finished part away from the main bar of stock material.
The users often choose them by material they need to cut:
The insert has a special coating to handle different materials. The color of the coating often gives a hint:
For Steel (P): Usually has a blue, purple, or gold coating.
For Stainless Steel (M): Usually has a gold or red coating.
For Cast Iron (K): Usually has a red or black coating.
For Aluminum (N): Often has a shiny, silver coating or no coating at all.
