“All-directional turning is not necessarily new, but the tools that we would customarily use for all-directional turning were round inserts or neutral-handed inserts, and you can’t create square corners with those shapes. The newer inserts may look similar to ISO inserts in some regard, but geometries and technologies are put in place for chip breaking,” explained Keith Brake, regional product manager, turning - Americas for Sandvik Coromant. “For the multidirectional process to work, with chip control in mind, they are now their own specific shape, at least for Sandvik Coromant.”

Each multidirectional tool can perform roughing and finishing. Because there are two separate cutting edges, tool life of the entire tool is high.

Inserts with threads on both the outside and the inside of the carbide threading insert are called externally threaded inserts. Generally, the inserts are threaded into a pre-tapped hole, or, in the case of some carbide threading inserts, the inserts can tap their own thread into a drilled or molded hole. Various types of anchorages are then used, including nylon locking elements, as well as other means.

Multidirectional turning tools (a.k.a. all-directional tools) have been around for a few years now. As more tooling suppliers enter the space, it’s important to get an understanding of how these tools can help you turn parts better. And it all starts where the carbide meets the metal.

“The front of the insert is like a regular CNMG insert with 80-degree angle and five degrees of clearance. It behaves like a regular CNMG insert because it has the same shape as that type of insert,” said Gill.

Think of Sandvik Coromant’s multidirectional turning as the complete package; a system developed to consolidate insert inventory, enhance productivity, and improve tool life while using unique software.

Both inserts create thin, wide chips, which spread the load away from the nose radius. This results in increased tool life or allows for increasing the cutting data.

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Full profile inserts are the most popular inserts. With this tool, the crest of the thread can be cut completely, as well as the thread’s profile.

It can be challenging to fit the screw into the hole. Some screws include a hex socket built into the head. You can use flat blade screwdrivers with the slot. You can prevent the machine screw from moving by using the one you plan to use in the final fitting and attaching a locking nut. Once the insert nut is fully driven home, it can be finished with an impact driver. You can remove the machine screw by removing the nut with a small spanner. In addition to threaded inserts with heads.

“For example, a CNMG 120408 may commonly run a 3 mm depth of cut in the range of 0.4 mm per revolution (MPR) feed rate whereas the Prime B insert has the capability of reaching 0.75 to 0.95 MPR feed rate at that same depth of cut. Of course, horsepower and quality of setup play a very large role in the overall success of the application,” said Brake. “It’s a combination of the way the program is created to properly enter the workpiece, and the way the inserts are designed. It’s just physics. We are leveraging physics to thin the chip with a shallow entering angle.”

In just the same way that replacing threaded inserts is a straightforward process, removing them is equally straightforward. If you wish to see how to do this, please see below.

When threading is necessary for your application, precise and consistent threading is paramount. Huana Tools offers an exclusive selection of high-performance threading inserts that will ensure 100% accurate threading every time. Huana Tools threading inserts are made of tungsten carbide for both standard and custom threading applications. Our threading experts are also ready to help you improve the threading of your products.

Some of the most common or standard angles for turning inserts include 55, 60, and 90. There could be some variation in these, but they are most frequently used. In addition, some common models of threading inserts include 16ER AG55, 16IR AG55, GC1125, GC1135, GC1025, 16er ag60 insert, 11er a60, 11ir a60 inserts, 16Ir ag60 insert and CB7015.

This leads to fewer tools needed in the turret but also fewer tools needed in your tool crib. The multifunctional nature of these tools also eliminates tool changes, so cycle time is affected as well.

“With multidirectional tools, the common function is to perform both back turning (roughing) and front turning (finishing),” said Gill.

This rail design, called Y-PRISM, has a rail on the shim/toolholder and matching slot on the insert for tight interlocking and secure clamping. It helps prevent cutting forces from affecting the tool position in any direction and ensures high stability.

This video uses insert nuts with an outside diameter of around 8.5mm, smaller than those I am using in the video. The first hole should be 9mm in diameter for something like this. You can use softwoods as thin as 8mm if you need a tight-fitting. The manufacturer should always determine the pilot hole size. For drilling depths, drills are equipped with depth-stops. This is especially useful if you need to drill many holes at once.

The tool families of 6C-TOMG and 6V-TOMG are double-sided, six-corner inserts with 80-degree or 35-degree corner angles. For pull turning, they can be used at high feeds to improve productivity by roughly 200 per cent when compared to traditional turning ISO tools. The same tool also performs push turning using the same cutting edge angle as standard ISO tools.

There is no V-profile insert attached to the thread crests. Using the same diameter screw and nut is imperative before threading any screw or nut. This can be accomplished by turning the outer diameter of the screw to the same diameter as the inner diameter of the nut. Furthermore, it is possible to use the same insert for multiple pitches as long as the thread profile angle (60° or 55°) and radius are the same. As a result, the nose radius of the insert is smaller to cover the range of pitches, therefore reducing the tool life and creating Burrs on the tool.

The system can perform traditional facing and turning paths, like a CNMG 432 insert (end forward and side forward turning). Additionally, it can also perform side backward or face backward turning when engaged on the high productivity or chip thinning side.

The inserts have an external thread that resembles a coarse wood screw thread and an inside thread that resembles a fine machine screw thread. You can effectively use machine screws in wood with them, as they are useful for any item that will require the screw to be removed later. The threads of conventional wood screws are damaged when you remove them from the wood. If the line completely disappears from a wood screw hole, the screw will no longer be able to be fitted into that hole. Threaded inserts allow threaded machine screws, which is a more convenient method to accomplish this task.

Additionally, some inserts feature a nut wrapped around female threading that belongs to this kind of product; when a fastener is driven into the cage nuts, the tops of the nuts feature “wings” that dig into the object when the fasteners are driven into them.

For a stronger thread, it ensures the bottom, top, and depth of the thread are all in the right places. Also, regardless of the thread profile, this will help eliminate any deburring. Due to the larger nose radius, fewer passes are needed compared to a V-profile insert. In addition, it allows you to thread more efficiently. For this reason, it is necessary to have a separate insert for each pitch and profile.

“If you’re currently running a CNMG insert with 3-mm depth of cut or less, you can use this system in an existing program. Nothing has to change, and you can get the benefit of chip control that these insert geometries offer,” said Brake. “This can be very important for customers who are running P1 or long-chipping steel. It’s a really simple way to gain chip control if properly applied.”

CoroPlus Tool Path is a cloud-based software that can be purchased by annual subscription. This software allows feature-based programming of CoroTurn Prime tooling. Other systems capable of creating similar code for CoroTurn Prime tools include Gibbscam, Mastercam, Siemens NX, CamWorks, and TopSolid.

This leads to both better machine utilization, because fewer tool changes are needed, and faster cycle times. It starts with the tool itself and is aided by advanced programming, unique insert geometry, and machine movement.

So that is one difference from a regular insert. The other difference is the ability of these tools to perform high-feed pull turning. The insert is inclined, and, at the same DOC, the chip is wider and thinner, which allows for a faster feed to be used.

“It should maybe be thought about as two different tools, one to rough and one to finish,” said Gill. “In this case, you're using this backside as a roughing edge and the frontside as a finishing edge. This reduces the number of tools you need.”

Once you know all the necessary details regarding threading inserts, you will now be able to use threading inserts in CNC threading more efficiently. It is important to remember all the steps mentioned above to give the best shot of Inserting the threads.

In softer woods and plywood, thread-in inserts are a good choice because their coarse outside threads ease the cutting process. You can then screw the insert into place by drilling a hole the right size for its body. White oak and maple are hardwoods, so drilling a hole slightly larger than the outside thread diameter and epoxying in the insert is recommended. If the insert is close to the edge of the part and screwing it in might split it, make sure to drill a hole slightly larger than the outside thread diameter. It would be best if you covered the end of the insert with epoxy to protect the threads inside.

Among threading inserts, some have a single cutting surface, while others have multiple surfaces which can be used to continue threading when a tooth wears out. Several dimensions determine the number of sides and angles of the threading insert.

This type of geometry is used for materials that are long in the chips. The product can also be used as a byproduct to strengthen stainless steel, alloyed steel, and non-ferrous metals. A machining geometry optimized for chip-forming to maximize the efficiency and precision of the process. The use of this geometry is not recommended for radial infeed operations.

According to Brake, roughing cycle times can be reduced by as much as 30 per cent with proper implementation of the CoroTurn Prime tooling and methodology. This is achieved with the higher productivity that the high feed side is capable of.

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Inserts with threads are an excellent choice for reinforcing threads on bolts and studs when they are frequently installed and removed. Choosing the right threaded inserts when working with weaker materials can provide a strong, durable solution.

“We do understand that most people have already made an investment in a large CAM package, and that’s why Sandvik Coromant has partnered with CAM providers to program CoroTurn Prime inside of their systems,” said Brake.

Whatever the thread pitch, profile or material, we can provide you with the solutions you need. The threading tools and inserts we offer help you produce quality threads for interiors and exteriors.

Increasing your material removal rate. Reducing the number of tool changes. Lowering cycle times. Creating a 90-degree shoulder. Profiling and facing with one tool. Roughing and finishing with one tool. Does any of this sound good to you?

When used properly, it can perform both roughing and finishing applications without changing the tool. This feature helps to reduce carbide usage and conserves turret real estate.

“This insert, although it's a triangular-shape insert, has 12 cutting edges instead of six that you would expect from a TNMG-style insert because you can cut from each side of each cutting edge,” said Gill. “When you are push turning and pull turning, you're using different sides of the insert, effectively increasing tool life.”

The advice from Gill is to roll-in to the workpiece when entering the cut and feed the tool at 0.008 in. per revolution (IPR). When turning away from the main chuck, the cutting edge’s contact with the workpiece becomes larger, generating a pull greater cutting force, as compared to a push force when turning towards the chuck. He also advises that tailstock support should be used.

“Multidirectional tools can be implemented easily,” said Hartej Gill, product manager for Tungaloy Canada. “We give manufacturers a piece of code with the special program required.”

“Because you can use the same insert to rough and finish, you can free up a slot in the turret for another turning tool,” Brake.

Sandvik Coromant’s multidirectional platform, CoroTurn Prime, is more than just a tool and insert. CoroTurn Prime comprises specific tooling and software that allow for higher material removal rates, longer tool life, and better machine utilization, according to the company. CoroTurn Prime is a family of multidirectional turning tools that have a combination of small entering angles and over and under coolant capability. Currently, the company offers two types of CoroTurn Prime tools: A-type and B-type inserts. A-type inserts have three corners designed for light roughing, finishing, and profiling. B-type inserts are double-sided negative inserts with four cutting edges (eight total edges) designed for roughing and finishing.

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Hardwoods, softwoods, and plywood all work well with press-in inserts because of their barbed exteriors. The well should be drilled so that the body of the insert will fit inside the hole. You can clamp the insert into place or tap it with a hammer and a block of wood. The drilling hole needs to be deep enough so that the epoxy engages only the tips of the insert barbs. This is especially important for applications where the clamping action tends to pull the inserts out of the wood, such as knobs on a drill-press fence extension.

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“The other major difference is that this insert is held differently,” said Gill. “This insert is held by a top clamp, but it also includes a rail design. When you are cutting at a higher feed rate, you now have much more effective clamping.”

Unlike full profile inserts, multi-point inserts have more than one insert point (NT>1), similar to full profile inserts. If an insert consists of two points, the productivity is doubled. If an insert consists of three points, the productivity is tripled. As a result, the tool’s life is extended, productivity is increased, and costs are reduced since fewer passes are required. Because the cutting edge has a longer contact length, stable conditions are necessary due to the increased cutting forces. Besides being able to clear all the teeth, it also needs to have a sufficient gap behind the last thread for the insert to insert fully.

The GlobalSpec SpecSearch database provides information about many different types of threading inserts. Most are described according to shape.

Tungaloy has two tools in this space, if you don’t include its multidirectional Y-axis insert. One mimics a traditional CNMG insert, and one mimics a VNMG insert for undercuts and profiles.

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Flat geometry provides overall functionality; it can be used to work with a wide range of materials. A round cutting edge adds strength to the cutting edge.

The H-Carb Seven Flute High Efficiency Endmill specializes in deep axial trochoidal and high-speed machining applications. Offered at various lengths of cut, the 7 flute design creates a superior finish to conventional 5 or 6 flute tools.

“Our second generation of CoroTurn Prime is a true eight-edged system. So, if it's properly programmed and properly implemented, you can use the chip thinning side or the high-efficiency side for your roughing application, and then you can turn right around with the same tool and you can use the other side for finishing operations without ever making a tool change,” said Brake.

It’s easy to wrap your head around the fact that cubic inches of material removed per hour is the gold standard of metrics. However, many other factors play a role in the success of a machine operation. Some of them will contribute more than others, but they all help. These tools can stack benefits.

There are several threaded inserts, each featuring a unique design, but they are all designed with female threading to support fasteners with male threading. A spiral design is a characteristic of circular threaded inserts, for example, and they are usually made of steel or bronze. The metal is coiled up in the appropriate size and shape to support the threaded fastener.

Joe Thompson has been covering the Canadian manufacturing sector for more than two decades. He is responsible for the day-to-day editorial direction of the magazine, providing a uniquely Canadian look at the world of metal manufacturing.

Multidirectional tool can perform roughing and finishing. Because there are two separate cutting edges, tool life of the entire tool is high. Tungaloy Canada

Sandvik Coromant’s B-type inserts are double-sided negative inserts with four cutting edges (eight total edges) designed for roughing and finishing. Sandvik Coromant

Multidirectional tooling improves machine utilization, because fewer tool changes are needed, and enables faster cycle times. Tungaloy Canada

The term internal thread refers to a thread found on nuts or tapped holes, while the term external thread refers to one found on bolts, studs, or screws. The axial thread form is the name given to orientated threads that are oriented axially. There are three parts to a thread profile. These are the crest, the root, and the flanks.

For thread turning, one of the most important considerations in choosing the correct insert geometry. Geometry affects many aspects of the tool life, such as chip control, insert wear, thread quality, and tool life in general.

Another option is the 3C-TCMT, a single-sided, three-corner insert. It also enables higher feeds during pull turning when compared to ISO tools and also performs push turning.

Multidirectional tools are an obvious fit for complex turning applications that require multiple kinds of turning operations to be performed. However, that’s not all they are good for.

These are suitable for sticky, work-hardening materials such as low-carbon steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous materials, and superalloys, to name a few. Their cutting edge is sharp, resulting in a high level of surface finish and low cutting forces.

Keep up to date with the latest news, events, and technology for all things metal from our pair of monthly magazines written specifically for Canadian manufacturers!

In terms of threading, externally threaded inserts are those with threads on the exterior, as their name implies. The threads have been internalized, but the external threads are also present. In this regard, I would like to know what this external threading is for. It is much easier to drive them into predrilled holes if they feature external threading since they can easily be driven into them.

Multidirectional turning tools can work in both directions (away from and toward the chuck) and perform roughing and finishing (with the top and bottom of the insert) with a single tool. They also perform multiple turning operations like profiling and facing.