Machining Super Alloys

They’re practically twins. Some might say this about super alloys and titanium, but as with most twins, there are a few subtle differences.

Materials like nickel-base, chrome-base, and iron-base super alloys are extremely heat resistant, even more than titanium, so most of the heat produced during machining is absorbed by the cutting edge.

This can wreak havoc on the cutting tool and cause damage ranging from crater wear, to plastic deformation, to complete tool failure.

Most super alloys are not flammable, so they can be machined with ceramic and CBN inserts much faster than with tungsten carbide inserts.

Better yet, coolant isn’t needed in most applications (for turning applications at maximum 80 bars or 1000 psi, coolant is beneficial).

Most critical part machining involves turning operations, so your manufacturing progress is measured by how far into and how fast out of the material your inserts can cut without fail.