Understanding TaeguTec NC Grade Classification System
TaeguTec (now part of IMC Group alongside Iscar) uses a distinctive grade classification system for its carbide turning inserts. The TT-prefix grades follow a logic that encodes the substrate type, coating technology, and application range directly into the grade designation. Understanding this classification system helps machinists quickly identify the right grade for any turning application without relying solely on catalog lookups.
The TT Grade Naming Convention
TaeguTec grades use a standardized format: TT + number code. The number series indicates the coating family and substrate type:
- TT5000 series: CVD-coated grades for steel and cast iron turning
- TT7000 series: PVD-coated grades for stainless steel and exotic alloys
- TT8000 series: CBN (cubic boron nitride) and ceramic grades for hard turning
- TT9000 series: Next-generation nano-coating PVD grades
CVD-Coated Grades: TT5000 Series
| Grade | ISO Class | Coating | Speed Range Vc (m/min) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TT5015 | P10-P20 | CVD TiCN + Al2O3 | 220-400 | High-speed finishing of steel |
| TT5115 | P10-P25 | CVD TiCN + Al2O3 (textured) | 200-380 | Finish to medium steel turning |
| TT5125 | P15-P30 | CVD TiCN + Al2O3 | 160-320 | General-purpose medium turning |
| TT5135 | P25-P40 | CVD TiCN + Al2O3 (thick) | 120-260 | Roughing, interrupted steel turning |
| TT5145 | P35-P50 | CVD TiCN + Al2O3 (heavy) | 80-200 | Heavy interrupted roughing |
| TT5215 | K05-K20 | CVD TiCN + Al2O3 | 200-450 | Gray cast iron finishing |
| TT5225 | K15-K30 | CVD TiCN + Al2O3 | 150-350 | General cast iron turning |
| TT5235 | K25-K40 | CVD TiCN + Al2O3 | 100-280 | Ductile iron, interrupted cast iron |
PVD-Coated Grades: TT7000 Series
| Grade | ISO Class | Coating | Speed Range Vc (m/min) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TT7015 | P10-P20, M10-M20 | PVD TiAlN | 180-350 | Sharp-edge finishing, steel and stainless |
| TT7025 | P15-P30, M15-M25 | PVD TiAlN | 140-280 | General-purpose PVD for steel/stainless |
| TT7035 | P25-P40, M25-M35 | PVD TiAlN | 100-220 | Interrupted cuts in stainless and steel |
| TT7050 | S10-S25 | PVD TiAlN (special) | 50-150 | Heat-resistant superalloys (HRSA) |
| TT7070 | N05-N20 | PVD Diamond-like | 200-600 | Non-ferrous: aluminum, copper, composites |
Nano-Coating Grades: TT9000 Series
The TT9000 series represents TaeguTec’s latest generation of PVD coatings, using nano-composite and nano-layer technology for enhanced performance.
| Grade | ISO Class | Coating | Speed Range Vc (m/min) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TT9010 | P05-P15 | Nano PVD TiSiN | 250-420 | High-speed finishing of hardened steel |
| TT9020 | P10-P25, M10-M20 | Nano PVD AlTiSiN | 180-360 | Precision turning of steel and stainless |
| TT9030 | P20-P35, M20-M30 | Nano PVD AlCrSiN | 120-280 | Medium to rough turning, stainless |
How the Classification Numbers Map to ISO Standards
TaeguTec’s classification aligns with the ISO 513 standard for carbide grade application ranges. The key mapping is:
| ISO Group | Color | Material | TaeguTec Grade Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | Blue | Steel (carbon, alloy, stainless ferritic/martensitic) | TT51xx, TT701x-703x, TT902x-903x |
| M | Yellow | Stainless steel (austenitic, duplex) | TT701x-703x, TT902x-903x |
| K | Red | Cast iron (gray, ductile, CGI) | TT52xx |
| N | Green | Non-ferrous (aluminum, copper, brass) | TT7070 |
| S | Brown | Heat-resistant alloys (Inconel, Waspaloy, Ti) | TT7050 |
| H | Gray | Hard materials (hardened steel, cast iron > 45 HRC) | TT801x-803x |
Cutting Parameters for Common TT Grades
The following parameters are recommended for turning AISI 1045 carbon steel using CNMG 120408 inserts:
| Grade | Operation | Vc (m/min) | fn (mm/rev) | ap (mm) | Tool Life (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TT5115 | Finishing | 280-360 | 0.10-0.20 | 0.3-1.5 | 55-80 |
| TT5125 | Medium | 200-280 | 0.20-0.40 | 1.5-4.0 | 40-60 |
| TT5135 | Roughing | 150-220 | 0.30-0.55 | 3.0-6.0 | 30-50 |
| TT7025 | Medium (stainless) | 140-200 | 0.15-0.30 | 1.0-2.5 | 35-55 |
| TT9020 | Finishing | 250-340 | 0.08-0.18 | 0.2-1.2 | 60-90 |
Selecting the Right TT Grade: Decision Guide
Follow this decision tree to select the optimal TaeguTec grade:
- Identify the workpiece material group: P (steel), M (stainless), K (cast iron), S (superalloy), or H (hardened)
- Determine the operation type: Finishing (low ap, high Vc), Medium (moderate ap and Vc), or Roughing (high ap, lower Vc)
- Assess interruption level: Continuous cuts can use harder grades (lower second digit); interrupted cuts need tougher grades (higher second digit)
- Consider surface finish requirements: Ra below 1.0 um requires PVD-coated grades (TT7xxx or TT9xxx); Ra above 1.6 um can use CVD grades (TT5xxx)
- Match speed to machine capability: If your lathe cannot reach the recommended Vc, select a tougher grade that performs well at lower speeds
TaeguTec vs Iscar Grade Equivalents
Since both brands belong to IMC Group, many grades have close equivalents:
| TaeguTec Grade | Iscar Equivalent | Shared Application |
|---|---|---|
| TT5115 | IC8086 | Medium steel turning, CVD |
| TT5125 | IC907 | General steel turning, CVD |
| TT5135 | IC938 | Roughing steel, CVD |
| TT7015 | IC6015 | Finish steel/stainless, PVD |
| TT7025 | IC908 | General stainless, PVD |
Conclusion
TaeguTec’s TT grade classification system is straightforward once you understand the naming logic. The first digit after “TT” indicates the coating family (5=CVD, 7=PVD, 9=Nano-PVD), and the remaining digits specify the hardness-toughness balance within that family. Higher numbers within each series indicate tougher grades for heavier or more interrupted cuts. This system allows machinists to quickly navigate the full TaeguTec range and select the optimal grade for any turning application.
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