Kyocera CNMG120408C CA4515 TJH00732

Product Overview

The Kyocera CNMG120408C with grade CA4515 (MPN: TJH00732) is a premium indexable carbide insert engineered for light cutting / finishing. Manufactured in Japan to exacting ISO standards, this 80° rhombic (diamond) insert combines an ultra-fine grain carbide substrate with an advanced PVD multi-layer coating to deliver exceptional wear resistance, thermal stability, and extended tool life in demanding CNC environments.

Designed for carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, cast iron, this insert offers superior chip control, reduced cutting forces, and consistent surface finish quality across high-volume production runs. The 0.8 mm nose radius provides optimal balance between edge strength and surface finish capability.

ISO Designation Breakdown

The model code follows the ISO 1832 standard for indexable inserts. Each character defines a critical geometric or physical property:

Engineering Dimensions & Geometry

All dimensions are manufactured to ISO 13399 and ISO 1832 tolerances. The following table provides the complete dimensional specification for the CNMG120408C:

Note: Dimensions are nominal. Actual manufacturing tolerances comply with ISO Class M specifications.

Grade Details – Key Grade Characteristics

Grade CA4515 is a next-generation PVD-coated carbide grade developed by Kyocera for versatile machining of ferrous materials. Key characteristics include:

• Coating Technology: Multi-layer Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating with TiAlN-based top layer and optimized interlayers for maximum adhesion and thermal barrier performance.
• Substrate: Ultra-fine grain tungsten carbide (WC-Co) with enhanced cobalt binder distribution for superior toughness and edge stability.
• Coating Color: Bronze-Gold (identification marker for PVD grades).
• Hardness: ~1,650 HV (Vickers) substrate hardness; coating hardness ~3,200 HV.
• Transverse Rupture Strength: >3,500 N/mm², ensuring resistance to chipping and micro-fractures under cyclic loading.
• Thermal Stability: Effective up to 900°C (1,652°F) cutting interface temperature.
• Primary ISO Application Group: P15-P35 (Steel), M15-M25 (Stainless Steel), K15-K25 (Cast Iron).

Grade Comparison Matrix

Selecting the optimal grade is critical for maximizing productivity and tool life. The following matrix compares CA4515 with adjacent Kyocera grades:

CA4515 occupies the sweet spot for general-purpose to medium-duty applications where a balance of wear resistance and toughness is required.

Chipbreaker Profile

Light Cutting Chipbreaker (C): Optimized for light cutting depths and finishing applications. Sharp cutting edge minimizes burr formation and improves surface quality.

The chipbreaker geometry on the CNMG120408C has been optimized through finite element analysis (FEA) and validated in live cutting trials. Key geometric parameters include:

• Chipbreaker Width: Proportional to nose radius for optimal chip curl radius control.
• Land Width: Narrow honed land (0.05–0.10 mm) to protect the cutting edge while minimizing rubbing.
• Rake Angle: Neutral to slightly positive effective rake depending on toolholder inclination.
• Chip Curl Radius: Designed to produce short, manageable chips (6–9 mm curl radius) for reliable evacuation.

Recommended Applications & Workpiece Materials

The CNMG120408C CA4515 is validated for the following material groups and applications:

Application Map by Operation

The following matrix indicates the suitability of the CNMG120408C for common lathe operations:

Recommended Cutting Conditions

Parameters below are starting recommendations for stable setups with rigid workpieces and short overhangs. Adjust based on machine condition, workpiece stability, and desired tool life:

Important: Reduce cutting speed by 15–25% for interrupted cuts, long overhangs, or unstable workpieces. Increase feed for roughing; decrease for finishing.

Operating Guidelines

Adherence to the following guidelines ensures maximum performance and safety:

• Toolholder Selection: Always use a negative rake toolholder (0° inclination) matched to the insert size. Ensure the holder pocket is clean and undamaged before seating the insert.
• Insert Seating: Seat the insert firmly against the toolholder locating surfaces. Verify that the clamping element (lever, screw, or clamp) engages the insert hole or top surface correctly without distortion.
• Cutting Edge Inspection: Visually inspect the cutting edge under magnification before installation. Do not use inserts with visible chipping, cracks, or coating delamination.
• Coolant Strategy: High-pressure coolant (70–100 bar) is recommended for chip breaking and temperature control. Direct coolant nozzle at the chip-tool interface for optimal effect.
• Speed Ramp-Up: Start at the lower end of the recommended speed range and increase gradually while monitoring tool wear, surface finish, and chip form.
• Tool Life Monitoring: Establish a consistent tool change criterion (e.g., flank wear VB = 0.3 mm or surface roughness Ra = 3.2 µm) to prevent catastrophic failure.
• Workpiece Security: Ensure adequate clamping force and minimal overhang. Use tailstock support for long slender shafts to reduce vibration.
• Chip Management: Verify that chips are evacuating freely. Bird-nesting or chip recutting accelerates tool wear and degrades surface finish.

Toolholder Compatibility

The CNMG120408C is compatible with the following standard ISO toolholder families:

DCLNR/L (93°), MCLNR/L (95°), PCLNR/L (75°), SCLCR/L (90°) — Negative rake holders with lever or screw clamping for inserts with central hole.

Mounting Requirements:

• Toolholder insert pocket size: 12.7 mm IC (1/2")
• Toolholder style: Negative rake (0° clearance) with appropriate clamping mechanism
• Shim requirement: Use standard 12.7 mm shim for CNMG-type inserts; no shim required for CNMA clamp-type holders
• Screw specification: M3.5 × 8 mm Torx T15 (for screw-clamp holders only)

Packaging & Ordering Information

Ordering Reference: When ordering, specify the full model code CNMG120408C, grade CA4515, and manufacturer part number TJH00732 to ensure correct product identification. Kyocera inserts are shipped in original manufacturer packaging with full batch traceability and certificate of conformity available upon request.

Catalog Meta Data

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