ISO N — Non-Ferrous · N30
N30 — Magnesium alloys
Hardness range: ~60 HB. Part of the ISO N — Non-Ferrous group. Non-ferrous metals (aluminium, copper, brass, magnesium) are soft and thermally conductive. Uncoated or DLC-coated fine-grain carbide with high positive rake, sharp edges, and polished flutes prevents built-up-edge. PCD inserts excel in high-volume aluminium production. No TiN/TiAlN coatings — aluminium welds to them.
Material profile — N30
- ISO designation
- N30 (ISO N — Non-Ferrous)
- Material
- Magnesium alloys
- Hardness
- ~60 HB
- ISO group colour
- Non-Ferrous
Tooling guidance — N-group
- Group summary
- Uncoated or DLC carbide for aluminium. Sharp edges, high positive rake, polished flutes prevent BUE.
Insert selection for magnesium alloys — starting point
- ISO application class
- N (non-ferrous). Magnesium machines very easily but its fine chips and dust are flammable, so chip and coolant handling matter more than grade selection. Match the ISO N class across brands rather than the brand name (Sandvik, Kennametal, Iscar, Walter, Seco and Mitsubishi each publish one), then confirm the exact grade for your condition.
- Grade & coating
- Uncoated polished carbide or PCD with sharp edges. The grade is rarely the limit; safety and chip control are.
- Geometry
- Sharp, high positive rake, polished flutes, generous chip clearance to keep heat and fine chips down.
- Starting parameters
- Very high speeds are possible; fn moderate. Do not use water-based coolant — it reacts with magnesium to release hydrogen. Run dry with good chip control or use mineral oil. Confirm in the advisor or on a sample part.
magnesium alloys: what goes wrong, and what to check first
- Fire risk (the critical one)
- Fine magnesium chips and dust ignite, and a dull tool adds heat. Keep edges sharp, keep chips coarse and clear, and have Class D provision; never let fines accumulate.
- Wrong coolant
- Water-based coolant reacts with magnesium and releases hydrogen. Use dry machining with chip control or a mineral-oil coolant.
- Built-up edge / smear
- Keep the edge sharp and positive; raise the speed.
- Long chips
- Open the geometry and tune the feed for short, clearable chips.
Reference data
Insert grade index
ISO insert-code index
CNMG120408 — general turning
CCMT09T304 — positive finishing
Tool-wear diagnosis
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