How Shape of Inserts effect CNC Profitability

In these days of intense competition and shrinking profitability in the machining process, Companies struggle to get the basics right regarding Tooling fundamentals.

Lets look at one here,

Machinists usually select an insert for an operation, based the following characteristics :

How versatile it is in cutting different part contours
Spindle power required to cut
Vibrations during cutting, which are a result of the extent and direction of cutting forces
Strength of the insert and its ability to take heavy cuts

This picture shows how the characteristics of inserts change with the shape.

How insert shape effects CNC Profitability NL99

The arrow next to each property indicates the direction in which it increases. Here’s how you interpret the picture:

Vibration during cutting: This is lowest for V shape, highest for R.
Ability to turn complex contours: R is the least versatile, V is the most.
Spindle power requirement: For a given set of cutting parameters, V requires the lowest spindle power, R requires the highest.
Strength of insert: V has the lowest strength, R is the strongest.
Ability to take heavy cuts: V has the least ability to take heavy cuts, while R has the highest.