Indexable Inserts

In machining processes such as drilling, turning, and milling, cutting tools—like turning tools and cutting inserts—are responsible for removing material from the workpiece. Indexable inserts used for turning and milling components typically have multiple cutting edges and are screwed or clamped into toolholders such as turning toolholders and milling cutters. Their efficiency depends heavily on the selected cutting speed, which is crucial for the effective machining of metals and other materials.

Benefits of using indexable inserts:

Flexibility: Insert types and geometries can be matched to the specific task.
Cost savings: The toolholder is reusable; only the insert is replaced.
High-performance machining: Suitable for high cutting speeds and heavy material removal.
Precision: Ideal for applications with tight tolerance requirements.

CERMET Indexable Inserts

CBN Indexable Inserts

Carbide Indexable Inserts

Threading Inserts

Inserts for automatic lathes

Grooving Indexable Inserts

ISCAR Inserts

SANDVIK Inserts

Kennametal Inserts

Applications and Use Cases for Indexable Inserts

Indexable inserts are used across a wide range of metal-cutting operations. Their flexibility and the ability to swap worn edges quickly make them a cornerstone of modern machining.

Turning

Longitudinal turning: Reducing the workpiece diameter along its axis.
Facing: Machining the end face of a workpiece.
Roughing: Removing large volumes of material; requires tougher insert geometries.
Finishing: Achieving precise dimensions and fine surface quality.
Thread turning: Specialized geometries for internal and external threads.

Milling

Face milling: Producing flat surfaces.
Shoulder (corner) milling: Accurately machining edges and corners.
Slotting: Cutting keyways, slots, or grooves.
Roughing & finishing: From high material removal to fine surface finishing.

Drilling

Boring: Enlarging existing holes.
Deep-hole drilling: Creating holes with high depth-to-diameter ratios.
Step drilling: Producing holes with multiple diameters.

Threading

Thread turning: Producing external threads.
Thread milling: Producing internal or external threads on complex parts.
Thread taps with indexable inserts: For larger diameters or difficult materials.

Heavy-duty machining

Large components: Rolls, turbine parts, and gearbox components.
High-temperature / high-strength alloys: Such as hardened steels or nickel-based superalloys.

Machining difficult materials

Titanium alloys: Common in aerospace.
Nickel-based alloys: Turbine blades and energy-sector components.
Hardened steels: Automotive and tooling applications.

Non-ferrous metals and plastics

Aluminium: Inserts with dedicated chipbreakers for chip control.
Copper: Often uncoated or specially tailored substrates.
Plastics: Precision parts, frequently using polished geometries.

Cast irons

Gray cast iron (GG): High material removal rates are feasible.
Ductile iron (SG/DI): Requires tougher cutting materials due to higher ductility.

Surface finishing

High-gloss machining: Specialized cutting edges for polished finishes.
Fine finishing: Tight tolerances with low surface roughness.

Special applications

Round inserts: For blending and complex contours.
Profile tools: For producing specialized profiles (e.g., turbine airfoils).
Weld prep: Milling chamfers and weld bevels.

Choosing the Right Insert: Shape, Edge Length, and Tolerances

Select the proper insert for your application using the ISO designation shown in our online shop. The ISO code conveys tolerances, cutting and clamping features, insert shape, hand of cut, and cutting-edge length. As a rule, the tool material must be harder than the workpiece (e.g., steel).

Depending on the workpiece and operation, the insert is positioned in the toolholder to achieve the required relief angle.

Positive inserts have a relief angle > 0°.
Negative inserts have a relief angle of 0°.

Why Indexable Inserts?

Indexable inserts offer clear advantages over solid or brazed tools:

Multiple edges: When an edge wears, rotate (index) the insert and keep running; replace only the insert, not the entire tool.
Lower operating cost: Reduce tool spend by ordering replacement inserts instead of new tool bodies.
Reliable chip control: Engineered chipbreakers create short, manageable chips—improving evacuation and reducing risk of tool, part, or operator damage.

Premium Indexable Inserts from METAV

Our METAV shop offers high-quality solutions for drilling, reaming, milling, and turning that deliver hardness, sharpness, and wear resistance—providing lasting value in production. Order online and receive your inserts conveniently at your door. Questions about the best choice for your application? Send us an email or give us a call—our experienced experts are happy to help!