Turning unalloyed steel
Material Classification: P1.1
Unalloyed steel has a carbon content of up to 0.55%. Low-carbon steels (carbon content < 0.25%) require special attention, due to the difficult chip breaking and the tendency to smear (built-up edge).

In order to break and steer the chip, aim for the highest feed possible. A wiper insert is highly recommended.

Use high cutting speeds to avoid built-up edge on the insert, which can negatively influence the surface. Sharp edges and light cutting geometries will decrease the smearing tendencies and prevent edge deterioration.

Turning ferritic and martensitic stainless steels
Material Classification: P5.1
This stainless steel is classified as a steel material, therefore with material classification P5.x. The general machining recommendations for this type of steels are our stainless steel grades and geometries.

Martensitic steels can be machined in hardened conditions requiring extra demands on plastic deformation resistance of the insert. Consider using CBN grades, HRC = 55 and higher.

Turning austenitic stainless steels