Advantages of machining stainless steel turning insert VNMG1604
In stainless steel processing, many factories face a common problem – how to improve cutting efficiency and extend tool life while ensuring processing accuracy?
One of the answers is: use VNMG1604 stainless steel special turning inserts.
It is a classic turning insert that combines sharp cutting, excellent chip evacuation, stability and high cost performance, especially suitable for finishing or semi-finishing of stainless steel materials.
1、What is VNMG1604?
Let’s quickly understand its structural meaning:
V: diamond blade, tip angle is 35°, suitable for fine machining of small parts
N: 0° back angle, good rigidity
M: medium precision grade
G: double-sided blade, with center hole, strong versatility
1604: side length 16mm, thickness 4.76mm, common specifications of blade tip radius are 0.4mm, 0.8mm, etc.
This type of blade is often used for turning of complex parts such as outer circle, end face, and profiling.
2、Why is VNMG1604 particularly suitable for stainless steel?
1. Light cutting, suitable for sticky materials
Stainless steel has poor thermal conductivity and is easy to stick to the tool. The design of the chip breaker of VNMG1604-MS/MA can effectively reduce the accumulation of cutting heat, allowing the chips to roll out smoothly and avoid the formation of built-up edge.
2. Sharp tool tip and high surface finish
The 35° sharp angle design makes VNMG1604 particularly suitable for finishing and detailed contour processing. When processing austenitic stainless steels such as 304 and 316, the surface is brighter and the size is more accurate.
3. Suitable for processing small parts or high-precision components
For small-diameter shafts, housings, grooves or contoured workpieces, the VNMG tool tip is slender, can cut deeply into complex areas, and is flexible to operate, which is far more suitable than TNMG or SNMG.
4. Coating support, longer life
Puwei Cemented Carbide’s VNMG1604 series uses a high-toughness cemented carbide substrate with a nano-level PVD coating (such as TiAlN, AlCrN) on the surface. It can effectively improve the wear resistance and heat resistance of the tool, extending the cutting life by 2 to 4 times.
3、Comparison with other common blades (TNMG / SNMG)
| Comparison Items | VNMG1604 | TNMG1604 | SNMG120408 |
| Insert Angle | 35° sharp angle for finishing | 60° triangle, universal | 90° 方形，适合粗加工 |
| Number of tool tips used | 4 usable tips | 6 usable tips | 8 usable tips |
| Rigidity comparison | Slightly lower, suitable for light-load cutting | medium | Strong rigidity, suitable for heavy loads |
| Processing Application | Fine, profiling, end surface processing | Mainly semi-finishing and rough processing | Roughing or interrupted cutting |
| Suitable materials | Stainless steel, alloy steel, precision parts | Carbon steel, cast iron, stainless steel | Cast iron, stainless steel, deep cutting |
To sum up: VNMG is more suitable for fine cutting and profiling; TNMG/SNMG is more suitable for general or heavy cutting.
4、What other materials can VNMG process?
In addition to stainless steel, VNMG can also be used for finishing of other ductile materials, including:
| Material | Is it suitable | Recommended chipbreaker/coating |
| Stainless steel (304/316) | ✅ Highly recommended | MS/MA + PVD coating |
| alloy steel | ✅ | MP/MS Groove type |
| Mild Steel | ✅ | Universal type GP |
| High temperature alloys (such as Inconel) | ⚠ Available (custom material required) | High heat resistant material + coating |
| cast iron | ❌ Not recommended | TNMG or SNMG is recommended |
Summary: The advantages of VNMG1604 in stainless steel processing can be summarized in one sentence
Sharp tip, smooth chip removal, smooth surface, especially suitable for stainless steel finishing and complex contour turning!
If you are looking for higher precision, less tool changes, and less labor costs, then choosing VNMG1604-MS/MA is a wise choice.
