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SNMG / SCMT Square Turning Inserts | Roughing and Finishing
time：
2025-12-24 15:47
source：
Lizhou
SNMG / SCMT Square Turning Inserts—A Practical Choice That Balances Heavy-Duty Cutting and Precision Machining
In lathe machining, Square turning insert It has long been a widely used type of cutting tool. With its simple structure and uniform stress distribution, it delivers stable performance in common machining operations such as external cylindrical turning and face turning.
Among the many square blades, SNMG and SCMT These are two very typical models with clearly distinct applications, and many workshops often combine them according to different machining stages.
I. Why are square carbide inserts “easy to use and durable”?
The most distinctive feature of square turning inserts is:
The blade tip angle is large.
Large bearing area
The blade structure is stable.
Compared to small-angle diamond-shaped blades, square blades are less prone to chipping and are better suited for machining conditions involving larger cutting volumes. Therefore, in rough turning, semi-finishing, and machining operations that demand high stability, square turning tools are often the preferred choice.
II. SNMG A “durable” blade that’s more geared toward heavy-duty cutting.
SNMG A double-sided, negative-type blade that can be used on both sides, 0 ° The back rake angle design makes the blade exceptionally thick and robust.
From the perspective of actual machining experience, SNMG The characteristics are mainly reflected in:
The blade has high strength.
High impact resistance
Not easy to chip.
Multiple usable cutting edges per blade, excellent cost-effectiveness.
This type of structure is ideally suited for heavy-duty cutting with large depths of cut and high feed rates, and is commonly used for:
Rough turning process
Processing high-strength materials such as steel parts, cast steel, and cast iron.
In applications with high requirements for tool durability
If the processing site is more concerned with “whether it can handle the load,” SNMG It's often the more prudent choice.
Three, SCMT “Fine” blades for lighter, smoother cutting
With SNMG Different, SCMT It is a positive-type blade that can be used on one side only. The blade itself comes with a back rake angle, creating a naturally positive front rake angle for cutting.
In processing, SCMT The advantage is quite obvious:
Cutting is smooth and light.
Sharp blade edge
Chip removal is smooth.
Surface quality is easier to control.
Therefore, SCMT More suitable for:
Finishing or semi-finishing
Processing stainless steel and non-ferrous metals
Machining low-rigidity workpieces
Turning of long-chip materials
] When you want the cutting process to be smoother and the workpiece surface to look better, SCMT It is often more suitable than negative-type blades.
Four, SNMG With SCMT The actual pairing approach
In many workshops, these two blades aren't used as a “choose one or the other”—rather, they’re used in a division of labor:
Rough turning, removing excess material: SNMG
Semi-finishing and surface finishing: SCMT
This combination method not only ensures efficiency but also takes processing quality into account; it’s a relatively common and well-established approach.
Five, R The choice of cutting angle directly affects the cutting performance.
SNMG / SCMT Offers a variety of blade tips. R Angles—convenient for selecting based on processing requirements:
R04：
Suitable for semi-finishing turning, with low machining resistance and good surface quality.
R08：
Common specifications for rough turning, balancing strength and efficiency.
R12：
The blade tip is more robust, making it suitable for heavy cutting and representing a typical roughing configuration.
R The larger the angle, the more durable the blade tip. R The smaller the angle, the more favorable it is for surface quality.
6. Multiple groove types to suit different materials.
This series offers MA Slot, MS Slot, TM Grooves and universal groove types can be selected according to the material:
Universal groove type: Widely used for everyday machining.
MA / MS Slot: Balancing Stability and Chip Removal
TM Slot: Suitable for machining conditions with heavier cutting loads.
By varying the groove geometry, it’s possible to cover more machining requirements with the same cutting insert.
7. Coating Solutions for Different Materials
For ease of selection, SNMG / SCMT The series also differentiates itself in terms of application areas:
General-purpose: Suitable for machining steel and stainless steel.
Steel component version: Optimized for common steel materials.
Hardened version: For machining hardened steel parts and hardened stainless steel.
This classification method is simple and intuitive, making it convenient to quickly match materials in actual production.
8. Wide range of applicable processing scenarios and high cost-effectiveness.
SNMG / SCMT Square turning inserts are commonly used for:
External cylindrical turning
Face turning
Rough turning and semi-finishing turning processes
The blade is made from a high-quality tungsten steel matrix, combined with a wear-resistant coating and an optimized chip-breaker groove design. This ensures stable cutting performance while also maximizing blade life and minimizing usage costs, offering excellent overall value for money.
If your machining process involves both rough turning and semi-finishing or finishing operations, SNMG With SCMT Square turning inserts represent a highly practical and well-established selection.
SNMG More emphasis on strength and durability, SCMT Emphasis is placed on smooth cutting and superior surface quality. By appropriately matching processes, the machining operation can become more stable and hassle-free.
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