SNMM

SNMM Carbide Inserts – Economy & Strength in Turning

At CNC Tools Depot, we stock a wide selection of SNMM Carbide Inserts designed for heavy-duty turning and roughing applications. With their square shape, negative rake, and medium tolerance, SNMM inserts are among the most economical carbide insert types, offering 8 usable cutting edges per insert.

These inserts are especially suited for high metal removal rates (MRR), roughing on steels and cast iron, and interrupted cuts where tool strength and toughness are critical.


🔹 What are SNMM Carbide Inserts?

The designation SNMM reveals important details about the insert’s geometry:

  • S = Square shape (90° cutting edge).

  • N = 0° clearance angle (negative rake).

  • M = Medium tolerance class.

  • M = Special hole & chipbreaker style (ISO standard).

SNMM inserts are typically double-sided, which means one insert provides 8 cutting edges—maximizing tool economy and reducing tooling costs.


🔹 Applications of SNMM Inserts

SNMM carbide inserts are widely used for:

  • Heavy-duty roughing in steels, stainless steel, and cast iron.

  • High-volume CNC turning operations where tool economy is essential.

  • Interrupted cuts thanks to their robust geometry.

  • High metal removal rates (MRR) in general turning and facing.

  • Machining large components in automotive, aerospace, and heavy equipment industries.

  • Cost-sensitive production due to maximum edge utilization.


🔹 Types of SNMM Carbide Inserts

At CNC Tools Depot, you’ll find SNMM inserts in various grades and coatings depending on application:

  1. Uncoated SNMM Inserts

    • Ideal for non-ferrous materials and short-run jobs.

  2. CVD-Coated SNMM Inserts

    • Perfect for steel and cast iron, with high wear resistance.

  3. PVD-Coated SNMM Inserts

    • Designed for stainless steels and heat-resistant alloys.

  4. SNMM with Chipbreaker Geometries

    • Improves chip control in heavy machining.

  5. Universal SNMM Grades

    • A cost-effective choice for shops machining multiple materials.


🔹 Advantages of SNMM Inserts

  • Economical – 8 cutting edges per insert.

  • Durable – strong geometry resists chipping and breakage.

  • Heavy-duty performance – designed for high cutting forces.

  • Excellent wear resistance – especially with coated grades.

  • Stable machining – negative rake improves insert strength.

  • Versatile – works with steels, cast iron, stainless steel, and alloys.


🔹 Top Brands We Offer

At CNC Tools Depot, you’ll find SNMM carbide inserts from the best global manufacturers:

  • Korloy SNMM Inserts – reliable for steel and cast iron.

  • Kennametal SNMM Inserts – engineered for heavy-duty applications.

  • Widia SNMM Inserts – cost-effective & efficient in roughing.

  • Taegutec SNMM Inserts – innovative chipbreakers for improved performance.

  • Mitsubishi & Seco SNMM Inserts – advanced coating technology for tool life.

Frequently Asked Questions

SNMM = Square shape, 0° clearance (negative rake), Medium tolerance, and ISO hole style.

SNMM inserts typically offer 8 cutting edges, making them highly economical.

  • SNMG = Negative rake with chipbreaker.

  • SNMM = Negative rake, usually flat-top without chipbreaker.

Yes, they are primarily used for heavy-duty roughing and general turning.

They are not optimized for fine finishing. Instead, SCMT or CCMT inserts are better for finishing.

They are excellent for steel, cast iron, stainless steel, and high-alloy steels.

Some variants include chipbreakers, but SNMM is commonly flat-top, best for roughing.

They are used in CNC lathes, heavy-duty turning centers, and manual lathes.

  • CVD coatings = steel & cast iron (wear resistance).

  • PVD coatings = stainless steels & alloys (toughness).

You can buy them at CNC Tools Depot, the world’s largest marketplace for carbide inserts and cutting tools.