Kennametal KCU10: the maker lists KCU10B as its successor
Kennametal puts Kennametal KCU10B against KCU10 in its own catalogue material. We publish the pair only because the maker published it; the source is below.
What the maker's document shows
KCU10 → KCU10B · Universal PVD turning (ISO P/M/K/N/S)
The grade page states: KCU10B upgrades Kennametal’s existing KCU10 with a newly engineered KENGold™ PVD, multilayer coating that makes machining from one material to another easy while also achieving consistency in cutting.
Source: Kennametal, KCU10B grade page (undated), product page. Open the maker's source →
A successor listing is not a discontinuation notice. Kennametal calls KCU10B an upgrade of KCU10.
What this does and does not mean
It means the maker positions KCU10B as the newer grade for the work KCU10 was used for. It does not say KCU10 is discontinued, and it does not say every insert shape and chipbreaker you buy in KCU10 exists in KCU10B.
Before you switch:
- Check that your exact insert designation and chipbreaker are offered in KCU10B in the maker's current catalogue.
- Start from the maker's recommended cutting speed for KCU10B, not the numbers you ran with KCU10.
- Run both grades until the edge is worn out on the same part and compare parts per edge. One part is not a result.
Other Kennametal successor pairs
Tell the advisor your insert, material and operation. It answers brand-neutral, including options from other makers. To check a whole tool list for older grades, use the free coverage check.