Carbide Grade Cross Reference (ISO 513)
Grades decide what the insert cuts; geometry decides what it fits. Verified, catalog-cited grade equivalents are attached per model page. This hub covers the ISO 513 workpiece-group system used for every mapping.
ISO 513 workpiece material groups
Every grade on InsertBase is filed under one of the six ISO 513 main groups, with its application band (for example P25) and coating family. Grade mappings are only made within the same group and band.
| Group | Symbol | Workpiece material | Typical grade behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | Steel | Ferrous steels: plain, alloy, tool steel | Hard CVD/PVD grades, high hot-hardness for continuous turning |
| M | Stainless | Austenitic, ferritic and duplex stainless steel | Tougher grades, often PVD-coated, built-up-edge resistance |
| K | Cast iron | Grey, nodular and malleable cast iron | Hard, abrasion-resistant grades; CVD common for dry cutting |
| N | Non-ferrous | Aluminium, copper, brass and non-metallics | Sharp, often uncoated or DLC/PVD grades for high speed |
| S | Superalloys | Heat-resistant alloys, titanium, Inconel-type materials | Tough, deformation-resistant grades, moderate speeds |
| H | Hard materials | Hardened steel (≈45–65 HRC), chilled cast iron | Very hard CBN-grade or fine-grain carbide for light finishing passes |
How grading works on model pages
- FULL — same ISO material group, same application band and same coating family in both official catalogues.
- PARTIAL — same application band, but different coating or edge preparation; usable with cutting-data review.
- VERIFY — commonly quoted in aftermarket charts, but not confirmed in both official catalogues.
If no reliable equivalent exists, the page states “no direct equivalent — verify with catalogue” rather than guessing.
Catalogues tracked
Manufacturer grade records appear here as catalogues are processed, each with a source link and extraction date.
Verified grade detail pages are currently being compiled from official catalogues. Need a specific grade mapping now? Use the inquiry box on any model page — mappings are returned with sources.