Kennametal KCU25: the maker lists KCU25B as its successor
Kennametal puts Kennametal KCU25B against KCU25 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
KCU25 → KCU25B · Universal PVD turning (ISO P/M/K/N/S)
The grade page states: KCU25B upgrades Kennametal’s existing KCU25 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, KCU25B grade page (undated), product page. Open the maker's source →
A successor listing is not a discontinuation notice. Kennametal calls KCU25B an upgrade of KCU25.
What this does and does not mean
It means the maker positions KCU25B as the newer grade for the work KCU25 was used for. It does not say KCU25 is discontinued, and it does not say every insert shape and chipbreaker you buy in KCU25 exists in KCU25B.
Before you switch:
- Check that your exact insert designation and chipbreaker are offered in KCU25B in the maker's current catalogue.
- Start from the maker's recommended cutting speed for KCU25B, not the numbers you ran with KCU25.
- 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.