TCMT

🛠️ TCMT Carbide Inserts – Overview

TCMT Inserts are triangular carbide turning inserts with a positive rake angle, designed for both roughing and finishing operations. The ISO coding "TCMT" breaks down as follows:

  • T = Triangle shape (60° included angle)

  • C = Clearance angle (7°)

  • M = Tolerance (medium, molded insert)

  • T = Insert type (with hole, single-sided positive rake)

Unlike TCGT inserts (which are ground for higher precision), TCMT inserts are molded, making them more cost-effective and ideal for general-purpose turning.


⚙️ Applications of TCMT Inserts

TCMT carbide inserts are highly versatile and widely used in CNC turning:

  • General Turning Operations – Suitable for steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum.

  • Roughing & Semi-Finishing – Good balance of durability and cutting performance.

  • Machining Non-Ferrous Metals – With polished/uncoated versions.

  • Profiling & Contouring – Triangular shape allows multi-directional turning.

  • Interrupted Cuts – Stronger edge makes them reliable in tough conditions.


🔍 Types of TCMT Inserts

TCMT inserts come in multiple variations to suit material and cutting needs:

  1. Uncoated TCMT Inserts – Best for aluminum and soft materials.

  2. PVD-Coated TCMT Inserts – Suitable for stainless steel and titanium.

  3. CVD-Coated TCMT Inserts – Optimized for steel and cast iron.

  4. Chipbreaker Variants – Available for finishing, medium, or roughing cuts.

  5. Different Nose Radii

    • 0.2–0.4mm → Precision finishing

    • 0.8–1.2mm → Heavy-duty turning


⭐ Advantages of TCMT Carbide Inserts

  • Economical Choice – Molded inserts are more cost-effective than ground inserts.

  • Versatile Use – Suitable for steel, stainless, cast iron, and aluminum.

  • Durable & Reliable – Handles both finishing and roughing.

  • Multiple Cutting Edges – Each insert provides 3 cutting edges, reducing cost per edge.

  • Wide Brand Compatibility – Works with toolholders from Korloy, Widia, Kennametal, Taegutec, Sandvik, and others.


📌 Why Buy TCMT Inserts from CNC Tools Depot?

At CNC Tools Depot, you’ll find the widest selection of TCMT carbide inserts from trusted global brands.

  • 🔹 Largest Marketplace – Millions of carbide inserts in stock.

  • 🔹 Top Brands – Kennametal, Korloy, Widia, Taegutec, Sandvik & more.

  • 🔹 All Sizes & Grades – Every nose radius, coating, and chipbreaker option.

  • 🔹 Affordable Pricing – Wholesale and bulk discounts available.

  • 🔹 Worldwide Delivery – Fast and reliable shipping to your workshop.

Frequently Asked Questions

TCMT stands for Triangle shape (60°), 7° clearance, molded tolerance, and positive rake insert.

  • TCGT = Precision ground (ideal for finishing).

  • TCMT = Molded (ideal for general-purpose turning, more economical).

They are suitable for steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, and non-ferrous metals.

Yes, especially when using uncoated polished TCMT inserts.

Each TCMT insert has 3 cutting edges.

Yes, TCMT inserts are strong enough for roughing and semi-finishing.

  • Small radius (0.2–0.4mm) → Finishing

  • Larger radius (0.8–1.2mm) → Roughing/heavy cuts

Top brands include Kennametal, Korloy, Widia, Taegutec, Sandvik, and Iscar.

They are positive rake inserts, which reduces cutting forces.

You can buy TCMT inserts at CNC Tools Depot, the world’s largest marketplace for carbide inserts.