TNMG 1604 Series Carbide Turning Inserts for Stainless Steel Machining
TNMG 1604 series carbide turning inserts are developed for turning, facing and profiling stainless steel. The double-sided triangular design offers six usable cutting edges, while stainless-steel-oriented grades and chipbreakers help control continuous chips and cutting heat. Multiple corner radii allow distributors to cover finishing, medium machining and selected roughing requirements.
Consistent Quality
Consistent geometry across repeat orders.
Flexible Bestellungen
Small batches and mixed sizes available.
OEM Support
Custom marking, labels and packaging.
Standard und Sonderanfertigungen
Standard sizes and custom configurations.
◆Produktübersicht
Die TNMG 1604 series carbide turning inserts are designed for external turning, facing and profiling of stainless-steel components on CNC lathes. Their triangular negative geometry provides strong cutting-edge support and multiple usable cutting edges, making the series suitable for continuous production and repeat machining.
Stainless steel can generate high cutting temperatures, work hardening and built-up edge. TNMG 1604 inserts can therefore be supplied with different carbide substrates, PVD/CVD coatings and chipbreakers to balance edge sharpness, toughness, chip control and wear resistance.
Customers selecting inserts for different workpiece groups can also compare the complete TNMG 1604 insert range according to material, chipbreaker and grade requirements.
| Insert Series | TNMG 1604 | Standard Models | 160404 / 160408 / 160412 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insert Shape | Triangular, 60° included angle | Clearance | Negative, 0° clearance |
| Corner Radius | 0.4 / 0.8 / 1.2 mm | Operations | Turning / Facing / Profiling |
| Primary Material | Rostfreier Stahl | Processing Range | Finishing / Medium / Selected roughing |
| Grade Options | Multiple carbide grades by confirmation | Beschichtungsoptionen | PVD / CVD options |
| Standard Pack | 10 pieces per box | Supply Options | Standard / Mixed models / Private label |
Grade, chipbreaker, coating, material suitability and stock status should be confirmed using the complete insert code.
◆TNMG 1604 Model Selection
| Modell | Corner Radius | Edge Characteristic | General Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| TNMG 160404 | 0.4 mm | Lower radial cutting force | Finishing and lighter turning conditions |
| TNMG 160408 | 0.8 mm | Balanced strength and finish | General medium turning |
| TNMG 160412 | 1.2 mm | Stronger corner support | Higher feed and stable heavier cuts |
Corner-radius selection also affects radial cutting force, surface finish and chip thickness. Confirm suitability through the complete cutting conditions.
The following reference images show TNMG 1604 dimensions, chipbreaker options, available grades and material recommendations. Send the complete current code for accurate replacement matching.



Stainless steels can work-harden quickly and retain heat near the cutting edge. An unsuitable insert may produce long chips, built-up edge, poor surface quality or premature edge failure.
TNMG 1604 selection should therefore consider edge sharpness, coating, carbide toughness, chipbreaker range and tool-holder rigidity together rather than selecting by size alone.
◆Chipbreaker and Product Details




Different stainless-steel grades and turning conditions require different combinations of edge sharpness and toughness. Finishing geometries generally use smaller feeds and depths of cut, while medium and roughing geometries require stronger edge support.
Coating color alone cannot identify the insert grade. Confirm the printed code or package label before placing a repeat or replacement order.
TNMG inserts are normally packed in compartment boxes to protect the cutting edges and preserve clear model, grade and batch identification. Final packaging and supply details are confirmed according to the selected models and order quantity.
- Complete TNMG insert code, grade and chipbreaker
- Compatible tool-holder model
- Stainless-steel grade and workpiece hardness
- Finishing, medium or roughing operation
- Required quantity and packaging preference
If the complete insert code is unavailable, send clear photographs of the top marking, chipbreaker surface, side profile, original box label and compatible tool holder.

◆Specifications & Size Chart
This TNMG 1604 range covers 160404, 160408 and 160412 for stainless-steel turning, with nominal corner radii of 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 mm. TNMG is a 60° triangular, negative-clearance insert with a fixing hole. The common 16-size family references below assist holder selection; the approved drawing and complete chipbreaker/grade code determine the supplied configuration.
| Base ISO Size | IC (mm) | S (mm) | Hole D1 (mm) | Corner Radius RE (mm) | Application Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TNMG 160404 | 9.52* | 4.76* | 3.81* | 0.4 | Smaller radius; consider for lighter stainless-steel finishing cuts. |
| TNMG 160408 | 9.52* | 4.76* | 3.81* | 0.8 | Balanced radius for stable medium turning, subject to chipbreaker and grade. |
| TNMG 160412 | 9.52* | 4.76* | 3.81* | 1.2 | Larger radius; check machine rigidity and radial-force sensitivity. |
◆Specification Checklist by Model
| Parameter | Details to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Insert geometry | 60° triangular, double-sided TNMG form with 0° clearance and a fixing hole; check the actual chipbreaker and holder seat. |
| Nominal size and radius | 1604 size family; select 0.4, 0.8 or 1.2 mm radius according to feed, profile, finish and setup rigidity in stainless steel. |
| Carbide grade | The Overview lists multiple carbide grades without mapping them to each radius. Confirm an ISO M application grade for the actual stainless-steel type, hardness and cut continuity. |
| Chipbreaker and coating | Confirm the selected stainless-steel chipbreaker, substrate, PVD/CVD coating and recommended feed/depth range. Coating color alone does not identify a grade. |
| Holder compatibility | Check TNMG 16 pocket, thickness, hole, clamp, seat, approach angle and tool hand against the holder manufacturer's specification. |
| Supply and packing | Overview reference: 10 pieces per plastic box. Confirm pack count, mixed-model supply, stock and labeling by complete order code. |
Stainless Steel Grade & Chipbreaker Selection
Select the chipbreaker by the actual feed and depth of cut, then match a carbide grade and coating to the stainless-steel family and cut continuity. The Overview lists finishing, medium and selected roughing conditions, but does not identify a complete order code for each combination.
| Operation | Selection Priority | Confirm for the Complete Code |
|---|---|---|
| Fertigstellung | Chip formation and surface finish at the planned lower feed and depth | Edge preparation, radius, grade and minimum effective feed |
| Medium turning | Balance chip control, edge strength and wear resistance | Operating window, coolant and stainless-steel grade |
| Selected roughing | Edge toughness and stability under higher or interrupted load | Approved geometry, grade, holder rigidity and permissible load |
◆How to Select a TNMG Insert for Stainless Steel
See the CNC Insert Selection Guide for additional shape, grade and radius checks.
◆Starting Cutting Data
The Overview does not give a validated cutting-speed, feed or depth-of-cut range for a complete TNMG grade and chipbreaker. Obtain starting data for the exact stainless-steel grade, insert code, coolant and cut continuity. Maintain sufficient feed for the selected geometry, avoid rubbing or dwell, and adjust after observing chip formation and edge wear.
◆Related Series & Technical References
Compare other turning geometries in the carbide turning and milling insert range. For a current TNMG stainless-steel series drawing, holder match, grade-specific cutting data or quotation, send the complete model and application details.
◆Carbide Insert Customization & OEM
Specify the insert around the machining operation, workpiece and holder. We can review standard replacements, application-specific geometry and private-label requirements using your insert designation, drawing or sample. Available grades, coatings, dimensions and order quantities are confirmed for each requested series.
Geometry & Chip Control
Review chipbreaker, rake, cutting-edge preparation, nose radius and corner design for the operation and workpiece. Confirm holder compatibility before approving a modified geometry.
Substrate & Coating
Select an available carbide grade and coating for the workpiece material, cutting conditions and desired balance of wear resistance and edge toughness.
Dimensions & OEM
Review insert size, thickness, locating and clamping features, tolerances, laser marking and private-label packaging against the approved specification.
◆Customization Options
Use the fields below when sending an inquiry. The exact options depend on the insert family and are confirmed in the quotation or approved drawing.
| Spezifikation | Details to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Insert Type | Turning, milling, threading, grooving or drilling insert; send the designation or drawing. |
| Size & Fit | Shape, size, thickness, inscribed circle or edge length, hole or clamping form, and holder model. |
| Schnittgeometrie | Chipbreaker, nose or corner radius, edge preparation, cutting direction and application-specific profile. |
| Grade & Coating | Workpiece group and grade, carbide substrate, coating system and wet or dry cutting conditions. |
| Tolerance & Inspection | Critical dimensions, profile requirements, inspection method and any required report. |
| OEM Presentation | Insert or box marking, label content, packaging format and quantity per pack. |
◆How to Request a Custom Insert

Send your insert requirements through our contact form or review our OEM and private-label service.
◆Carbide Insert Quality Control

Insert quality depends on the approved grade, geometry, coating and dimensional specification. We review the requirements at order confirmation and align the inspection scope with the insert series and any customer drawing. Share critical dimensions or documentation needs before production so they can be included in the agreed inspection plan.
01 · Incoming Material
Confirm the specified carbide grade or material documentation against the order requirements.
02 · In-Process Checks
Review dimensions and cutting-edge features during production against the approved specification.
03 · Final Inspection
Check the agreed dimensions, appearance, edge condition, coating identification and marking as applicable.
04 · Packing Review
Verify the item code, quantity, labels and protective packing against the approved order.
◆Inspection & Documentation
Inspection points and acceptance criteria should be agreed for the ordered series. For custom inserts, the approved drawing takes priority over a generic catalogue description.
| Check Area | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & Fit | Insert size, thickness, corner radius, clamping features and any drawing tolerances. |
| Schnittgeometrie | Chipbreaker, edge preparation, usable corners and profile where applicable. |
| Grade & Coating | Approved grade and coating designation; any requested verification method. |
| Appearance & Packing | Visible edge damage, marking, item code, count and packing format. |
| Requested Records | Inspection report, material or coating documentation, sample approval or batch identification when agreed. |
◆Order & Delivery


Share a line-by-line list of insert codes and quantities for a mixed-size quotation. Stock status, minimum quantity, sample requirements and production lead time are confirmed for each grade, coating and configuration.
Send your item list and quality requirements through our contact form for specification, availability and delivery confirmation.
◆Product FAQs
Why use a TNMG insert for stainless-steel turning?
TNMG is a 60° triangular, negative-clearance insert with a fixing hole and multiple usable edges. A suitable chipbreaker and ISO M carbide grade can be selected for external turning or facing of stainless steel. Holder angle, workpiece grade and cut conditions determine whether this geometry fits the operation.
What changes between TNMG 160404, 160408 and 160412?
Their nominal corner radii are 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 mm. A smaller radius may suit lighter finishing cuts; a larger radius offers more corner support but can increase radial force. Choose with the stainless-steel grade, chipbreaker, feed, finish and setup rigidity in mind.
Can all three radii use the same holder?
They share the TNMG 1604 base designation, but verify the holder pocket, insert thickness, fixing hole, clamp, approach angle and part clearance. The nose radius and chosen chipbreaker can change usable profile access even when the insert seats in the same holder.
How do I select a grade for 304, 316 or another stainless steel?
Specify the exact stainless grade and hardness, operation, cut continuity, coolant and current wear pattern. The Overview does not assign a named carbide grade to every radius or chipbreaker. Confirm an ISO M application grade, coating and starting cutting data for the complete code; duplex or precipitation-hardening grades may need a different selection from 304/316.
Why does chipbreaker selection matter in stainless steel?
Stainless steel can produce long chips and built-up edge. A chipbreaker needs sufficient feed and depth of cut to work as intended while maintaining edge strength. Confirm the supplier’s geometry-specific operating range; neither the TNMG size nor coating color identifies the correct chipbreaker.
How do I reduce work hardening and built-up edge?
Use the grade-specific cutting data and a stable feed that lets the selected edge cut rather than rub. Avoid unnecessary dwell, keep the setup rigid, and apply coolant consistently where required. Check chip flow, adhesion, wear and finish in a controlled trial.
◆Ordering & OEM FAQs
What should I send for a TNMG replacement inquiry?
Provide the original manufacturer, full insert code, grade and chipbreaker, photos of the marking and both faces, holder model, stainless-steel grade, cutting conditions, current wear issue and required quantity. Compare a proposed replacement in a controlled machining trial.
Can I order different radii or grades together?
Send a line-by-line list with each complete TNMG code, grade, chipbreaker and quantity. Mixed-model availability, minimum order quantity and dispatch time are confirmed by item. The Overview lists 10 pieces per box as its standard reference.
Can I request samples before a larger order?
Provide the complete code, holder, workpiece and planned test conditions. Confirm sample availability and evaluation criteria by grade; compare wear, chip control, surface finish and cost per accepted part under the same setup.
Are private-label packaging and customer SKU labels available?
The Overview lists neutral and private-label packaging, customer SKU and barcode labels. Send the artwork, marking requirements, pack quantity and expected order volume so feasibility, minimum quantity and lead time can be confirmed.
◆Guides & Technical References
Use the CNC Insert Selection Guide for holder, grade, corner-radius and chipbreaker checks. The Carbide Insert Types Guide explains the wider insert families.
For the current TNMG stainless-steel drawing, grade-specific cutting data or quotation, send your complete insert and holder codes with the stainless-steel grade and quantity.
Need Sizes, Pricing or Custom Options?
Send us the required tool type, sizes, quantities, workpiece material and any OEM or custom requirements. We will confirm suitable specifications, availability, lead time and quotation details.
Drawings, size lists and reference photos are welcome.









