ISO N — Non-Ferrous · N30
N30 — Magnesium alloys
Hardness range: ~60 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 — N30
- ISO designation
- N30 (ISO N — Non-Ferrous)
- Material
- Magnesium alloys
- Hardness
- ~60 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 magnesium alloys — starting point
- ISO application class
- N (non-ferrous). Magnesium machines very easily but its fine chips and dust are flammable, so chip and coolant handling matter more than grade selection. 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
- Uncoated polished carbide or PCD with sharp edges. The grade is rarely the limit; safety and chip control are.
- Geometry
- Sharp, high positive rake, polished flutes, generous chip clearance to keep heat and fine chips down.
- Starting parameters
- Very high speeds are possible; fn moderate. Do not use water-based coolant — it reacts with magnesium to release hydrogen. Run dry with good chip control or use mineral oil. Confirm in the advisor or on a sample part.
Selection table: magnesium alloys
| Operation | Geometry | ISO class | Coating family | Coolant | First check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roughing | Sharp, high positive rake, polished flutes, generous chip clearance | N (N-class grade) | Uncoated polished carbide or PCD | No water-based coolant; run dry with chip control or use mineral oil | Fire risk: chips coarse and clear, never let fines accumulate |
| Finishing | Sharp, high positive rake, polished flutes | N (N-class grade) | Uncoated polished carbide or PCD | No water-based coolant; dry or mineral oil | Edge kept sharp: a dull tool adds heat |
| Interrupted cut | Sharp positive edge, open geometry | N (N-class grade) | Uncoated polished carbide | No water-based coolant; dry or mineral oil | Chip size and clearance for short, clearable chips |
| Low rigidity / thin wall | Sharp positive edge, generous chip clearance | N (N-class grade) | Uncoated polished carbide | No water-based coolant; dry or mineral oil | Heat and fines build-up on long cuts |
magnesium alloys: what goes wrong, and what to check first
- Fire risk (the critical one)
- Fine magnesium chips and dust ignite, and a dull tool adds heat. Keep edges sharp, keep chips coarse and clear, and have Class D provision; never let fines accumulate.
- Wrong coolant
- Water-based coolant reacts with magnesium and releases hydrogen. Use dry machining with chip control or a mineral-oil coolant.
- Built-up edge / smear
- Keep the edge sharp and positive; raise the speed.
- Long chips
- Open the geometry and tune the feed for short, clearable chips.
Reference data
Frequently asked questions
Is machining magnesium dangerous?
Magnesium cuts easily but its fine chips and dust are flammable. Keep edges sharp, keep chips coarse and evacuated, avoid fines build-up, and have the right fire provision.
What coolant should I use for magnesium?
Not water-based — it reacts with magnesium to release hydrogen. Run dry with good chip control, or use a mineral-oil coolant.
What insert for magnesium alloys?
A sharp uncoated polished carbide or PCD; the grade is rarely the limit. Match the ISO N class and confirm in the advisor.
Why keep magnesium chips coarse?
Coarse, clearable chips reduce the fine dust that is the fire hazard; a sharp positive geometry and tuned feed help.
Are you overpaying on your Magnesium alloys inserts? Paste your insert list and get a cost audit in about 30 seconds: cross-brand equivalents at the same ISO application position, and where you are likely overpaying. No signup, no sales call.
Related materials