Walter's Tiger∙tec® Gold Turning Grades: A Case Study in Enhanced Machining Performance

Problem Machining stainless steels and steels presents a unique challenge for manufacturers. Standard steel turning grades often fail under the high temperatures and pressures involved, leading to premature tool failure and inconsistent results. Fracturing is a common issue, particularly when dealing with tough materials like austenitic, duplex, and ferritic/martensitic stainless steels. The need for a more robust solution was evident, especially in industries where precision and reliability are paramount.

Solution Walter has introduced the Tiger∙tec® Gold turning grades WMP20G and WMP30G, specifically designed to address these challenges. These grades feature a highly textured medium temperature-titanium carbonitride (MT-TiCN) coating, which provides exceptional wear resistance. The coating is further enhanced with a highly textured aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer, offering superior protection against high temperatures.

The substrate design is a key innovation. It incorporates a new gradient structure that maintains a high level of toughness at the cutting edge, effectively protecting against chip impact. A dual post-treatment process ensures an even smoother surface, reducing friction and further extending tool life.

### Specifics: - **WMP20G**: Ideal for turning austenitic, duplex, and ferritic/martensitic stainless steels. It is the universal grade for medium and high cutting speeds. - **WMP30G**: Suitable for a broader range of applications, including out-of-round and difficult-to-machine components like weld seams and armor plate. It operates effectively at low and medium cutting speeds.

The grades are compatible with a variety of insert geometries, including negative basic forms (FM5, MS3, MM5, MU5, MW5, RM5, RM7, and HU5) and positive basic forms (FM2, FM4, FM6, MM4, and RM4), as well as the WL copy turning system (FM4 and MM4).

Results The implementation of Tiger∙tec® Gold turning grades has yielded significant improvements in machining performance:

"The new grades have demonstrated remarkable stability and toughness, reducing tool failure rates by up to 40% in our trials," said a spokesperson for Walter.

### Key Outcomes: - **Wear Resistance**: The MT-TiCN coating has shown a 30% increase in wear resistance compared to previous generations. - **Temperature Tolerance**: The Al2O3 layer provides enhanced protection against high temperatures, allowing for more aggressive cutting parameters. - **Toughness**: The gradient substrate design has led to a 25% improvement in chip impact resistance, particularly in demanding applications like welding seams and armor plate machining. - **Versatility**: WMP20G and WMP30G cover a wide range of materials, from ISO M and P to the more challenging ISO S group, making them a versatile choice for diverse manufacturing environments.

Applications The new turning grades are particularly beneficial in industries where precision and reliability are critical. For instance, in the aerospace sector, where materials like austenitic and duplex stainless steels are common, the improved wear resistance and toughness of WMP20G and WMP30G can lead to significant cost savings and productivity gains.

About Walter With over a century of experience, Walter is a global leader in the metalworking industry. The company offers a comprehensive range of precision tools for milling, turning, drilling, and threading applications. Walter's commitment to innovation is evident in its development of digital process solutions, positioning it as a key player in the Industry 4.0 revolution.