There are many variables that go into choosing 
the correct insert for your turning operations: 
insert shape, geometry, grade, and more. The 
goal is to select an insert that meets your 
requirements for quality and performance, 
while providing good chip control, and a 
reasonable combination of wear resistance 
and toughness.
Insert Styles
C-Style Inserts – 80° Rhombic
For external machining and facing. The large point 
angle is very rigid, and good for rough machining. 
This is the most commonly used insert.
D-Style Inserts – 55° Rhombic
The smaller point angle of this insert is more 
versatile for finishing and detail work, but it has 
less cutting-edge strength than other geometries.
V-Style Inserts – 35° Rhombic
The smaller point angle of this insert is more 
versatile for finishing and detail work, but it has 
less cutting-edge strength than other geometries.
T-Style Inserts – 60° Triangle
For internal machining. The 60° cutting angle 
provides medium cutting-edge strength that allows 
for both ID roughing and finishing applications.
W-Style Inserts – Trigon 80°
This insert has 3 cutting edges per side. The 80° 
cutting angle provides high cutting-edge strength 
for roughing, but the depth of cut is limited by the 
short cutting edge.
SMALL NOSE ANGLE
• Better access to features
• Lower cutting forces
• Weaker cutting edge
• Lower vibrations
Choosing the correct 
TURNING 
INSERTS 
on HaasTooling.com
LARGE NOSE ANGLE
• Stronger cutting edge
• Higher cutting forces
• More vibration
• Higher feedrates
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Choose the insert style (shape and size) 
based on the features of the part and the desired 
depth of cut. A larger nose radius is stronger, 
but requires more machine power, and increases 
the tendency for vibration. A smaller nose radius 
increases the access to fine part features, but has 
a weaker cutting edge.
Choose the chip breaker (geometry) based on 
the selected machining operation: finishing, medium, 
or roughing. Roughing with high depths of cut and 
feedrates requires an insert with a stronger cutting 
edge. Finishing operations with light depths of cut 
and lower feedrates produce lower cutting forces, so 
cutting-edge strength is not as important. Medium 
turning operations, with a wide range of depths of cut 
and feedrate, require a more versatile geometry.
Choose the insert grade (coatings) based on the 
type of material being cut, the specific machining 
operation (finishing, medium, roughing), and the 
cutting conditions (smooth, lightly interrupted, heavily 
interrupted). The insert grade and the chip breaker 
complement each other to provide specific performance 
characteristics. A tougher grade can compensate 
for a cutting edge with less strength, while a more 
wear-resistant grade can provide longer tool life on a 
stronger cutting edge.
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