ISO S — Superalloys & Titanium · S10
S10 — Titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V)
Hardness range: 320–380 HB. Part of the ISO S — Superalloys & Titanium group. Superalloys and titanium are the most challenging ISO group: low thermal conductivity concentrates heat at the cutting edge, and high strength persists at elevated temperatures. High-pressure coolant (70–100 bar) is mandatory. Low Vc, consistent DOC, and sharp geometry are non-negotiable. Tool life is short — plan changeovers.
Material profile — S10
- ISO designation
- S10 (ISO S — Superalloys & Titanium)
- Material
- Titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V)
- Hardness
- 320–380 HB
- ISO group colour
- Superalloys & Titanium
Tooling guidance — S-group
- Group summary
- Most difficult ISO group. High-pressure coolant mandatory. Low Vc, consistent DOC, sharp positive geometry.
Insert selection for Ti-6Al-4V — starting point
- ISO application class
- S (titanium). Match the insert's ISO class, not the brand name. Sandvik, Kennametal, Iscar, Walter, Seco and Mitsubishi each publish S-class grades for titanium — pick by ISO class, then confirm the exact grade for your condition.
- Grade & coating
- Sharp, fine-grain carbide, uncoated or thin PVD (TiAlN). A heavy coated edge traps heat in titanium, so keep the edge keen.
- Geometry
- Sharp positive rake, polished flute, keen edge. Climb-mill and keep the tool moving so the chip thins out, not in.
- Starting parameters (carbide)
- Carbide Vc ≈ 30–60 m/min, fn ≈ 0.10–0.20 mm/rev, generous high-pressure coolant. Typical starting band — confirm in the advisor or on a sample part.
Ti-6Al-4V: what goes wrong, and what to check first
- Heat-driven flank and crater wear
- Titanium's low conductivity puts the heat into the tool. Keep a sharp edge, use high-pressure coolant, hold a modest Vc, and replace edges early. See the tool-wear guide.
- Built-up edge and smearing
- Titanium welds to the edge at low speed. Raise Vc into the band, use a sharp positive polished geometry, and aim coolant at the edge.
- Chipping from chip welding / re-cut
- Never let the tool dwell. Climb-mill so the chip exits thin, and keep the feed steady.
- Glowing chips with a dull edge
- A worn edge generates heat and risks a fire. Change inserts early and keep coolant flowing.
Reference data
Insert grade index
ISO insert-code index
CNMG120408 — general turning
CCMT09T304 — positive finishing
Tool-wear diagnosis
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