ISO N — Non-Ferrous · N10
N10 — Aluminium alloys (cast)
Hardness range: 75–130 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 — N10
- ISO designation
- N10 (ISO N — Non-Ferrous)
- Material
- Aluminium alloys (cast)
- Hardness
- 75–130 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 cast aluminium (A356 / ADC12) — starting point
- ISO application class
- N (non-ferrous). Cast aluminium is often high-silicon, which is abrasive; PCD is the durable answer for high-silicon or long runs. 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
- PCD for high-silicon cast alloys (A356, ADC12) and long runs; polished uncoated or DLC carbide for low-silicon or short runs.
- Geometry
- Sharp, high positive rake, polished flute, open chipbreaker; good chip evacuation.
- Starting parameters
- Carbide Vc ≈ 200–800 m/min, fn ≈ 0.05–0.30 mm/rev, with coolant or MQL; PCD runs higher still. Confirm in the advisor or on a sample part.
Selection table: cast aluminium (A356 / ADC12)
| Operation | Geometry | ISO class | Coating family | Coolant | First check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roughing | Sharp, high positive rake, polished flute; good chip evacuation | N (N-class grade) | PCD for high-silicon alloys and long runs; polished uncoated or DLC carbide otherwise | Coolant or MQL | Abrasive silicon wear: move to PCD for life |
| Finishing | Sharp, high positive rake, polished flute | N (N-class grade) | PCD or polished uncoated / DLC carbide | Coolant or MQL | Built-up edge or smear: raise feed, flush chips |
| Interrupted cut | Sharp positive edge, open chipbreaker | N (N-class grade) | PCD or polished carbide | Coolant or MQL | Chip evacuation in cavities |
| Low rigidity / thin wall | Keen positive edge, polished flute | N (N-class grade) | Polished uncoated or DLC carbide | Coolant or MQL | Poor finish at high RPM: raise feed per tooth, not just speed |
cast aluminium (A356 / ADC12): what goes wrong, and what to check first
- Abrasive silicon wear
- The silicon in cast aluminium abrades carbide quickly. Move to PCD for high-silicon alloys or long runs.
- Built-up edge / smear
- Chip load too low so the edge rubs. Raise the feed, use a sharp polished positive edge, and flush chips.
- Long gummy chips
- Open the chipbreaker, raise the feed, and use polished flutes.
- Poor finish at high RPM
- More RPM at the same feed thins the chip until it rubs; raise feed per tooth, not just speed.
Reference data
Frequently asked questions
What insert for cast aluminium like A356 or ADC12?
PCD for high-silicon alloys and long runs, or polished uncoated/DLC carbide for low-silicon or short runs. Match the ISO N class across brands and confirm in the advisor.
Why is PCD recommended for cast aluminium?
High-silicon cast alloys are abrasive and wear carbide fast; PCD lasts far longer and holds finish.
What cutting speed for cast aluminium?
Carbide roughly Vc 200–800 m/min with fn 0.05–0.30 mm/rev; PCD higher. Confirm on a sample part.
How do I stop built-up edge on cast aluminium?
Keep the chip load up so the edge shears, use a sharp polished positive geometry, and flush with coolant or MQL.
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Grade designations in this group
Each page cross-references the EN, Werkstoffnummer, AISI/UNS and JIS designations for one material, with the ISO machining group it falls in.
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