Buy Indexable Turning Online in Australia
Indexable Turning Tools for CNC Lathes
Indexable turning is the primary metal cutting process on CNC turning centres and manual lathes, using replaceable carbide inserts in rigid tool holders to machine external diameters, faces, tapers, bores, and profiles. The insert-based system allows worn cutting edges to be replaced in seconds without removing the tool holder, maintaining consistent tool geometry and dimensional accuracy throughout a production run. AIMS stocks a comprehensive range of indexable turning tool holders, boring bars, and carbide inserts from leading cutting tool manufacturers for CNC lathe and turning centre applications.
External Turning Tool Holders
External turning tool holders clamp indexable inserts in ISO-standardised pocket configurations and mount in the lathe turret or toolpost. The ISO holder designation encodes clamping style, insert shape, clearance angle, holder hand, shank dimensions, and insert size — understanding this system allows direct cross-referencing between different brands and simplifies procurement. Negative rake inserts in positive-clearance holders — the most common configuration for roughing and semi-finishing — provide the strongest cutting edge geometry for interrupted cuts and heavy material removal. Positive rake geometries are specified for finishing, light cuts, and materials that require sharper edge geometry for clean chip formation.
ISO Insert Shapes for Turning
Insert shape determines approach angle, included angle at the cutting corner, and the number of usable cutting edges available per insert. Triangular (T) inserts provide three cutting edges and a 60-degree included angle, giving good accessibility for profiling and back-turning. Square (S) inserts offer four edges and a 90-degree included angle, providing maximum edge strength for heavy roughing but limited accessibility on profiling operations. Diamond-shaped inserts at 35, 55, and 80-degree point angles offer various combinations of edge strength and accessibility. Round (R) inserts have the strongest geometry and are used for profiling, copy turning, and hard material turning operations where edge chipping would be a concern.
Insert Grades for Turning Applications
Insert grade selection for turning must match the material group, cutting conditions, and whether the operation is continuous or interrupted. For steel turning, CVD-coated grades with multi-layer coatings provide a good balance of wear resistance and toughness. For stainless steel, PVD-coated grades with sharper geometries and tougher substrates handle the work-hardening tendency and adhesive chip characteristics of austenitic grades. For titanium alloys, nickel superalloys, and hardened steels, specialist grades with optimised coating chemistry and substrate properties are required to achieve acceptable tool life at productive cutting speeds.
For insert grade recommendations, tool holder selection, or application support, contact our team.