Sumitomo 18HWALR Grooving Insert AC520U 3mm Solid Carbide

Product Description

The SUMITOMO 18HWALR is a solid carbide grooving insert designed for precision external and internal grooving operations on CNC lathes and turning centers. Built to the GCMN3002-GL insert style with a manufacturer grade of AC520U, this double-ended insert features a 3.00 mm cutting width and a maximum depth of cut of 19.05 mm (0.7500 inches). The PVD coating process delivers a hard, wear-resistant surface layer suited for demanding metal removal applications. A positive rake angle of 5 degrees and the GL chip breaker geometry support controlled chip evacuation and reduced cutting forces across a range of workpiece materials.

This insert is appropriate for universal workpiece material classifications covering steel (P), stainless and heat-resistant alloys (M), cast iron (K), and superalloys (S), making it a versatile choice for job shops and production turning environments. It fits GND series toolholders and is compatible with insert seat size 3. The neutral hand orientation suits straight-cut grooving setups where lateral force direction is not a variable. Typical applications include groove turning, parting, and face grooving operations where consistent width and depth accuracy are required across multiple passes.

Key Features

• AC520U PVD-coated solid carbide grade for extended tool life across multiple material groups
• 3.00 mm cutting width with a 19.05 mm maximum depth of cut for medium-depth groove work
• GL chip breaker geometry promotes positive chip control and reduces heat buildup at the cutting edge
• Double-ended design provides two usable cutting edges per insert, improving cost efficiency
• Positive 5-degree rake angle lowers cutting forces and supports stable machining at moderate feeds
• Compliant with ANSI and ISO 13399 standards for tooling data interoperability

Compatibility

Designed for use with GND series grooving toolholders accepting insert seat size 3 and the GCMN insert style. Compatible with workpiece material codes K, M, P, and S as defined by the primary workpiece material classification in the product specification.

Installation Notes

Installation of carbide grooving inserts should be performed by a qualified machinist or CNC setup technician with the machine in a full stop, locked-out state. Ensure the insert pocket and seating surface are clean and free of chips or debris before seating the insert to prevent micro-fractures from uneven clamping load. Follow the toolholder manufacturer torque specifications for the clamping screw — do not over-torque. Verify insert orientation and confirm depth-of-cut parameters in the control program before resuming spindle operation.