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MACHINING MATERIALS

Materials

Choose cutting data from the actual workpiece alloy and condition, then match the tool, insert grade and operation. A label such as “steel” or “stainless” is a starting point rather than a complete machining specification.

Common machining material groups

  • P — Steel: identify the alloy, hardness and heat treatment.
  • M — Stainless steel: identify the grade and condition rather than treating every stainless alloy alike.
  • K — Cast iron: confirm the iron type and condition.
  • N — Non-ferrous materials: check the exact aluminium, copper or other alloy.
  • S — Heat-resistant superalloys and titanium: use data for the specific alloy and operation.
  • H — Hardened materials: confirm the hardness range and tool suitability.

These broad groups organize cutting-tool information. The toolmaker’s detailed material classification and product data should guide the final selection.

Build a useful cutting-data worksheet

  1. Record the material designation, stock condition and hardness if known.
  2. Identify milling, turning or drilling, plus roughing or finishing.
  3. Record the exact cutter or insert code, grade, geometry and holder.
  4. Find the toolmaker’s starting cutting speed and feed for that combination.
  5. Enter those values into the correct calculator, then check spindle, feed and setup limits.

Insert shape and material grade do different jobs

CNMG, DNMG and VNMG identify different insert shapes and related geometry. They do not identify a universal grade for steel or stainless. Compare shape and profile access in the turning insert guide, then use our material-based grade worksheet to organize the remaining choices.

Use the calculator for your operation

Try the milling speeds and feeds calculator, lathe RPM and feed calculator or drilling calculator. A formula can convert cutting speed into RPM, but it cannot determine the correct cutting speed from the material name alone.

Manufacturer reference

Sandvik Coromant: workpiece material classifications. Confirm current product-specific recommendations before machining.

Select turning inserts by material

Compare CNMG, DNMG and VNMG, then organise the alloy, grade, chipbreaker and holder selection. Read our material selection worksheet before choosing cutting data.