CNMG-MS stainless steel turning insert

Cemented carbide blade chart

Understanding the Code: CNMG120404-MA/MS

The insert code follows ISO 1832 standards, where each letter and number has a specific meaning:

C – Shape: Rhombic 80° diamond insert, providing strong cutting edges and high stability.

N – Clearance angle: 0° relief (neutral). Strong edge with maximum support for heavy-duty cutting.

M – Tolerance class: Medium tolerance, balancing precision and general-purpose use.

G – Type: Insert with hole and chipbreaker, enabling secure clamping.

Numerical Parameters:

12 – Inscribed circle (IC): 12.7 mm.

04 – Insert thickness: 4.76 mm.

04 – Corner radius: 0.4 mm, ensuring smooth finishing capability.

Geometry Suffixes:

MA – Multi-application geometry, suitable for finishing to medium cutting of steels.

MS – Sharp-edged geometry designed for stainless steel and difficult-to-machine alloys, requiring low cutting             

Advantages of CNMG120404-MA/MS Inserts

Versatile Applications

One of the most commonly used inserts worldwide for roughing, finishing, and semi-finishing.

Handles a wide range of materials including steels, stainless steels, and cast irons.

High Edge Strength

80° diamond shape provides superior edge stability for heavy-duty turning.

Neutral clearance ensures maximum edge support, reducing insert breakage.

Chip Control Optimization

MA chipbreaker: Balanced design for stable chip evacuation in steel machining.

MS chipbreaker: Specialized geometry for stainless steel to reduce built-up edge and improve chip curling.

Durable Tool Life

Made with fine-grain carbide substrate that resists wear and fracture.

Advanced coatings (CVD/PVD such as TiCN, Al2O3, TiAlN) extend insert longevity.

Cost-Effectiveness

Double-sided insert design with 4 cutting edges, lowering tooling cost per part.

Applications of CNMG120404-MA/MS

The CNMG insert is a true workhorse insert, widely used in:

Automotive Industry

Machining crankshafts, gear blanks, shafts, and hubs.

Aerospace Components

Turning titanium and nickel alloys for landing gear and engine parts.

Oil & Gas Equipment

Roughing and finishing of drill collars, valves, and casings.

Heavy Machinery & General Engineering

Steel rollers, hydraulic components, machine tool frames.

Energy Industry

Power generation components like turbine shafts and casings.

Features of CNMG120404-MA/MS Inserts

Universal Geometry

CNMG shape provides balance between strength and versatility.

Can handle both light finishing and heavy roughing.

Chipbreaker Efficiency

MA geometry ensures consistent chip flow in steels.

MS geometry prevents chip welding in stainless steels.

Coating Technology

CVD multilayer coatings: Best for high-speed steel turning.

PVD nano-composite coatings: Excellent for stainless steels and high-temp alloys.

Stable Clamping

Double-sided design with secure clamping hole ensures rigidity during machining.

Surface Finish Excellence

Small 0.4 mm nose radius ensures high-quality surface finish with minimal secondary operations.

Best Practices and Precautions

Material Matching

Use MA geometry for steels and cast irons.

Use MS geometry for stainless steel and heat-resistant alloys.

Cutting Parameters

For finishing: high cutting speed, small depth of cut, fine feed rate.

For roughing: deeper cuts and moderate feed rates with stable machine setup.

Coolant Usage

Essential for stainless steels and superalloys to prevent built-up edge and extend tool life.

Insert Indexing

Rotate inserts regularly before severe wear occurs to maximize tool edge utilization.

Secure Toolholding

Ensure proper clamping torque and stable setup to avoid vibration.

Technical and Innovation Highlights

As a carbide cutting tool manufacturer, we continuously invest in R&D and innovation:

Carbide Substrate Development

Balanced cobalt content for toughness and hardness.

Fine-grain carbide to improve edge sharpness and resistance to thermal cracking.

Advanced Coatings

CVD with Al2O3 layers for high wear resistance in steel machining.

PVD with TiAlN for stainless steel and difficult alloys requiring high toughness.

Chipbreaker Optimization

Proprietary groove designs tailored for chip control at different feed rates.

Edge Preparation

Honed and polished edges reduce micro-chipping and ensure stable performance.

Patented Geometry Enhancements

Special MA and MS designs that enhance cutting stability across varying materials.

Why Choose Our CNMG Inserts?

Over 33 Years of Experience – Trusted carbide manufacturer with a strong global reputation.

Full OEM/ODM Solutions – Customized carbide solutions for customer-specific needs.

ISO-Certified Quality – Stringent inspection ensures consistent performance.

Global Applications – Automotive, aerospace, oil & gas, heavy machinery.

Cost-Effective Reliability – Multi-edge inserts reduce tooling costs.

Conclusion

The CNMG120404-MA/MS carbide turning inserts are engineered to deliver exceptional stability, durability, and versatility in a wide range of machining operations. With an 80° rhombic design, optimized chipbreaker geometries, and advanced coatings, they provide reliable performance in both roughing and finishing applications.

By choosing CNMG120404-MA/MS inserts, you gain:

Extended tool life and reduced downtime.

Lower cost-per-part thanks to multi-edge design.

Superior surface finishes with consistent quality.

The confidence of working with a trusted carbide manufacturer.

Whether your focus is automotive, aerospace, energy, or general machining, our CNMG inserts will help you achieve higher efficiency and precision.