Understanding ISO Material Groups

Understanding the ISO material groups is essential in the cutting tool industry, particularly for companies using end-mills and drills from SCT Tools. These ISO material groups categorize various workpiece materials, guiding the selection of cutting tools for optimized performance and extended tool life.

What does an ISO Certification mean?

An ISO certification in material groups means a standardized approach to categorizing workpiece materials. This system helps manufacturers and toolmakers in selecting appropriate materials and ensuring consistency in quality and performance. ISO certified material refers to workpiece materials classified under the ISO standard. This includes a wide range of materials, from stainless steels to cast irons, each with unique properties affecting their machining and tool compatibility.

What are the ISO Material Groups?

The ISO material groups play a pivotal role in the selection and design of solid carbide cutting tools. These groups are tailored to match the unique machining requirements of different materials.

ISO Group M — Stainless Steel

This group covers stainless steels, including martensitic stainless steels and ferritic stainless steel. These materials are renowned for their superb corrosion resistance and require tools that can handle their mechanical properties and chemical stability.

ISO Group K — Cast Iron

Cast iron varieties such as grey cast iron and nodular cast iron fall under this group. They are abrasive to cutting edges and often form discontinuous chips, demanding tools with high wear resistance.

ISO Group N — Nonferrous

This group includes non ferrous metals like aluminum, characterized by their low melting point and the tendency to generate heat, posing unique challenges for cutting edge geometry.

ISO Group S — Super Alloys

Super alloys, known for operating under very high temperatures, include heat resistant super alloys. These materials demand cutting tools capable of handling extreme conditions.

ISO Group H — Hardened Steel

Hardened steel represents materials like tool steel, requiring cutting edges that can sustain the high material hardness and the stress of machining.

ISO Group G — Graphite and Composite

ISO Group G represents a specialized category in the ISO material groups, focusing on Graphite and Composite materials. These materials are crucial in various industrial applications due to their unique properties like high strength-to-weight ratios, excellent thermal resistance and electrical conductivity.

Our Catalogue is your Material Group Chart

Our catalogue provides detailed insights into selecting the right cutting tools for different ISO material groups. Whether dealing with stainless steel, cast iron or any other group, our tools are designed for precision and durability.

The knowledge of ISO material groups is vital for the machining industry. It guides the selection of the correct workpiece material and ensures the use of appropriate cutting tools for each material type. SCT Tools offers a range of products engineered to meet the unique demands of these materials, promising long tool life and optimal performance. Explore our catalogue for solutions tailored to your specific material needs.