In response to the success of its Tiger-tec Silver high-performance inserts, Walter USA LLC has added a tough new grade to the Walter Valenite indexable milling grade family. The existing universal WKP35S grade is now joined by WKP25S, a CVD aluminum oxide-coated insert that permits higher feed and speed rates, and higher rates of metal removal, particularly in the machining of steel and castings.

This newly developed Tiger-tec Silver WKP25S milling/cutting grade maximizes productivity through its ability to process all steels at high cutting speeds as well as with high average feed rates, yet increases process reliability through its high wear resistance, toughness and shock resistance. Plus, its proven bicolor coating also guarantees efficient wear detection. In addition, the new grade racks up similar improvements over conventional tooling in the machining of tool steels with strengths greater than 1000 N/mm² and when used in difficult conditions such as wet machining or machining materials with high tensile strength.

The new grade also excels in the machining of gray cast iron or cast iron containing vermicular graphite. It can process these hard to cut materials at average to high cutting speeds and average feed rates. The new grade is also ideal for difficult cutting conditions so often encountered when machining these materials, such as fluctuating material removal or severely interrupted cuts.

Currently, Tiger-tec Silver WKP25S is available for all of the popular tools in the Walter Valenite Xtra-tec range, including Face and shoulder mills F4041 and F4042; Side and face mills F4053, F4153 and F4253 and porcupine cutters F4038, F4138, F4238 and F4338. Other inserts for drilling and turning are also in development.