Indexable insert drilling problems, causes and solutions

The 12 most common indexable insert drilling problems and causes – and how you can avoid them!

Rotating and stationary application

Hole tapers in

  • Chip jam on the outer cutting edge → use a different chip breakage geometry, increase the feed if necessary
  • Material very soft → increase the cutting speed, reduce the feed
  • Use positive cutting edge geometry

Hole tapers out

  • Chip jam on the inner cutting edge → use a different chip breakage geometry, increase the feed if necessary

Short service life / types of wear of indexable inserts

  • Cutting speed too high → select the correct cutting speed
  • Cutting material has too little wear resistance → select a wear resistant grade
  • Tool overhang too large → if possible, use a shorter tool
  • Damaged insert seat → check tool, replace if necessary
  • Clamping device stability too low → increase stability

Friction marks on the tool shank

  • Bore diameter too small → check the setting
  • Chip evacuation problems → optimise the cutting parameters, check the geometry of the indexable insert
  • Cutting radius too high → use the correct cutting radius

Poor surface quality

  • Poor chip evacuation → optimise the cutting parameters: Increase cutting speed
  • Reduce feed

Built-up edge formation

  • Cutting speed too low → increase cutting speed
  • Indexable insert too negative → use positive geometry
  • Unsuitable coating → select the correct coating

Stationary application

Edge breakage on the inner cutting edge

  • Centre height of the tool too high/too low → adjust tool turret/adapter if necessary → recalibrate the machine
  • Indexable insert grades interchanged → use correct indexable insert
  • Feed too high → reduce feed
  • Indexable insert grade too brittle → use a tougher indexable insert grade
  • Incorrect indexable insert geometry → if necessary use a geometry with a chamfered cutting edge

Edge breakage on the outer cutting edge

  • Feed too high → reduce feed
  • Interrupted cut → switch to a tougher grade of indexable insert
  • Cutting radius too small → use an indexable insert with a larger cutting radius

Hole too small / too large

  • Machine is not in the X-0 position → move axis to correct position
  • Machine axis has been moved → recalibrate the machine

Rotating application

Edge breakage on the inner cutting edge

  • Indexable insert grades interchanged → use correct indexable insert
  • Feed too high → reduce feed
  • Indexable insert grade too brittle → use a tougher indexable insert grade
  • Incorrect indexable insert geometry → if necessary use a geometry with a chamfered cutting edge

Edge breakage on the outer cutting edge

  • Feed too high → reduce feed
  • Interrupted cut → switch to a tougher grade of indexable insert
  • Cutting radius too small → use an indexable insert with a larger cutting radius

Hole too small / too large when using adjustable tools

  • Incorrect cutting radius used → use the correct cutting radius
  • Incorrect setting → use the correct tool setting
  • Increase cutting fluid supply

Should you have any further questions, our consulting service is ready to help.

Our highly experienced application engineers will be happy to advise you. Just get in touch!

📞 +448000732073
📧 info.uk@ceratizit.com

More about indexable insert drilling:

How to find the perfect indexable insert drill for your application

 Coding examples for indexable insert drilling & recommended coolant pressure/flow

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