Kennametal Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., introduces a new turning grade that features a coating applied to an ultrafine-grain carbide substrate for superior layer adhesion to nickel, cobalt, and iron-base superalloys used in aerospace and other high-temperature applications.
According to the company, the new KCS10B grade delivers up to 50% greater tool life, more predictable processes, and improved productivity when working with difficult-to-machine superalloys. It is capable of overcoming the most common challenges encountered in turning superalloys – cratering and depth-of-cut notching – which may lead to unexpected and even catastrophic tool failure.
KCS10B is available in the most popular turning insert shapes, sizes, and geometries. Robert Keilmann, Senior Global Product Manager for Turning, stated that KCS10B’s development was achieved using Kennametal’s proprietary High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (High-PIMS) technology. Rather than the ‘light rain’ of droplets that falls on cutting tools during traditional PVD coating processes, High-PIMS generates a fine mist of AlTiN, building a series of “extremely thin, smooth, and wear-resistant layers,” Mr. Keilmann explained.
In addition, metals such as Inconel 718 and Stellite 31 are known for causing rapid wear and unpredictable tool life, and KCS10B is reportedly proven to reduce DOC notching and extend tool life from three minutes to upwards of five minutes in roughing operations.
