Walter's HU5 Universal Geometry Improves Metal Removal in Tough Materials

Walter’s single-sided indexable inserts’ HU5 geometry can improve productivity, particularly in rough machining of stainless steels and heat-resistant superalloys, the company says. The inserts are typically used in machining AISI 316 material, Inconel 718 and titanium materials.

The main cutting edge, which is protected by a negative chamfer, prevents insert fractures when machining hard scales and heat-affected zones, improving insert performance in forged parts. Components with interrupted cuts and other demanding machining operations benefit as well.

The HU5 has a larger seating surface than double-sided negative inserts. This is said to increase stability and enable deeper cutting depths, feed rates and metal removal rates. In addition to the stable seating, the combination of HU5 geometry and Walter’s Tiger-tec Silver grades increases tool life up to 75%, the company says.

With HU5 geometry, the curved cutting edge and deep chip groove produce low cutting forces even at high feed rates, reducing heat buildup. The variable rake angle at the corner radius enables lower cutting forces and benefits tool life. The HU5 geometry is made in grades WPP10S, WPP20S, WMP20S, WSM20S and WSM30S.