Turning Inserts
TCMT Carbide Turning Inserts
Positive 60° triangular turning inserts with a 7° clearance angle — a sharp, free-cutting edge that keeps cutting forces low for finishing aluminum, copper, plastics, thin-wall parts and low-rigidity setups.
Product Overview
TCMT inserts are positive 60° equilateral triangular indexable turning inserts with a 7° clearance angle (ISO 1832 C type) and a single-sided positive geometry. The positive rake gives a sharp, free-cutting action with noticeably lower cutting force than negative inserts, which is why TCMT is a common choice for finishing and light semi-finishing of aluminum alloys, copper, brass, plastics and thin-walled components — and for machines with limited rigidity or long tool overhang. Each insert carries 3 cutting edges on one side. Compared with negative TNMG inserts (0° clearance, two-sided, 6 edges), the positive TCMT edge is sharper and cuts with less force, but the geometry is not as strong, so TCMT is best matched to finishing work while TNMG handles heavy roughing. Available in standard ISO sizes TCMT110202 / 110204 / 110208 and TCMT16T304 / 16T308.
Key Features
- 3 cutting edges per insert — single-sided positive geometry with 7° clearance
- Sharp positive rake gives a free-cutting action with low cutting force and less heat generation
- Excellent surface finish on aluminum alloys, copper, brass and plastics without edge build-up at correct speeds
- Low cutting force suits thin-wall tubes, slender shafts and low-rigidity machines or long overhang setups
- PVD-coated and uncoated grades with sharp edge hone, optimized for finishing passes
- Complements negative TNMG inserts in the same program: TCMT for finishing, TNMG for roughing
- Full size range: TCMT1102 (1/4" IC) and TCMT16T3 (3/8" IC) series
- Custom grades and private-label packaging available
Applications
Factory-direct — produced in our own carbide plant
ISO 1832 dimensional compliance, batch inspected
OEM / ODM support for distributors and brands
Application support for grade and parameter selection
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Insert Shape | 60° equilateral triangle (T type), positive geometry, single-sided |
| Clearance Angle | 7° (C type, positive rake) |
| Standard Sizes | TCMT110202 / TCMT110204 / TCMT110208 / TCMT16T304 / TCMT16T308 (ISO 1832) |
| Inscribed Circle (IC) | 6.35 mm (11 series, 1/4"), 9.525 mm (16 series, 3/8") |
| Thickness (S) | 2.38 mm (11 series), 3.97 mm (16 series) |
| Nose Radius (r) | 0.2 / 0.4 / 0.8 mm |
| Cutting Edges | 3 per insert (single-sided) |
| Coating | PVD (TiN / TiAlN) / Uncoated |
| Applications | Finishing & light semi-finishing: external & internal turning, facing, profiling, thin-wall boring |
| Workpiece Materials | Aluminum alloys, copper, brass, plastics, mild steel, stainless steel (finishing) |
| MOQ | 10 pcs (standard sizes) |
| Lead Time | 3-7 days standard, 15-30 days custom |
* Specifications subject to change. Contact us for the current datasheet.
FAQ
Questions Buyers Ask
What does TCMT stand for?
Per ISO 1832: T = triangular shape with a 60° included angle, C = 7° clearance angle (positive geometry), M = tolerance class (medium), T = chip breaker / clamping design. For example, TCMT110204: inscribed circle 6.35 mm, thickness 2.38 mm, nose radius 0.4 mm.
What is the difference between TCMT and TNMG inserts?
Geometry is the main difference. TCMT is a positive insert (7° clearance, single-sided, 3 cutting edges) with a sharp edge that cuts with low force — ideal for finishing aluminum, copper, plastics, thin-wall parts and low-rigidity machines. TNMG is a negative insert (0° clearance, two-sided, 6 cutting edges) with a stronger edge for heavy roughing of steel and cast iron. They are complementary: use TCMT for finishing and light cuts, TNMG for roughing and heavy depths of cut.
Which workpiece materials are TCMT inserts best for?
TCMT inserts perform best on aluminum alloys, copper, brass, plastics and other soft, non-ferrous materials, and for finishing passes on mild steel and stainless steel. Because the positive edge is sharper but less strong than a negative insert, it is not the first choice for heavy roughing of steel or cast iron — that is the job of TNMG or CNMG negative inserts.
Which nose radius should I choose — 110202, 110204, 110208 or 16T304, 16T308?
The last two digits are the nose radius: 02 = 0.2 mm (fine finishing, small parts, low cutting forces), 04 = 0.4 mm (general finishing), 08 = 0.8 mm (stronger edge, semi-finishing and light roughing). For most finishing work, TCMT110204 or TCMT16T304 is a good starting point.
Do TCMT inserts fit my existing tool holders?
Yes — TCMT inserts fit standard positive tool holders for the same ISO seat, such as CTFPR / CTFNR / CTFPL / CTFNL series holders for the 11 (1/4" IC) and 16T3 (3/8" IC) sizes. Check the holder seat designation against the insert size and you can drop them in without changing setup.
Do you offer private label for TCMT inserts?
Yes — OEM/ODM with private-label packaging, custom grades and laser marking per your specification. Standard sizes MOQ 10 pcs.
APPLICATIONS
Where It's Used
Typical machining operations and workpiece materials for TCMT Carbide Turning Inserts. Contact us with your operating parameters for grade selection support.
Finishing and light semi-finishing of aluminum alloy components
Turning copper, brass and plastics with a clean, tear-free surface
Thin-wall tubes, sleeves and rings where low cutting force prevents deflection
Facing, profiling and internal boring on low-rigidity machines or with long overhang
Small-bore internal finishing with the TCMT1102 series
Finishing passes on mild steel and stainless steel after roughing with negative inserts
Interested in TCMT Carbide Turning Inserts?
Factory-direct pricing, OEM/ODM options and lead times — send your spec and volume, get a quote within 24 hours.