Map any carbide grade to the ISO P/M/K/N/S/H classification, then across the ANSI C-class, DIN and JIS systems. Reference for matching an equivalent grade when a supplier's designation is unfamiliar.
Complete reference tables and engineering data for grade cross reference. All values verified against ISO, ANSI, and manufacturer standards.
Every carbide manufacturer uses their own grade designations, but all can be mapped to the ISO classification system. This reference explains the ISO, ANSI (C-class), DIN, and JIS systems, helping you find equivalent grades across different standards and manufacturers.
Start with the ISO P/M/K/N/S/H classification of the material you are cutting. Match the operation (roughing/general/finishing). Manufacturers publish cross-reference charts that map competitors' discontinued grades to current equivalents. If the original grade was from a major brand (Sandvik, Kennametal, Iscar), their technical support can usually provide the current replacement.
Each ISO group requires different carbide substrate and coating combinations. Within each group, multiple grades exist for roughing vs finishing. A P10 grade (steel finishing) is completely different from a K30 grade (cast iron roughing). Large manufacturers offer 50-100+ grades to cover the full range; smaller manufacturers compete with 10-20 "sweet spot" grades covering 80% of applications.
First choice (also called "primary" or "always start here") grades are optimised for the most common operations in that material group. Complementary grades handle specific edge cases: higher speeds, interrupted cuts, unstable setups, or improved surface finish. Most shops use the first-choice grade 80% of the time.
Identify the material ISO group (P/M/K/N/S/H) and the operation type (finishing/general/roughing). Cross-reference between standards using the ISO code as the common language. For critical applications, always verify equivalent grades with a test cut -- nominal equivalences can differ in actual performance.
Continue with closely related resources from the machining reference library.
Use the calculator freely. If the result points to a tooling or process problem, we can source the exact carbide tooling you need from vetted factories in China. Compare factory-direct pricing.
Before you commit to a spec, it helps to know what the market pays for it. These are real, publicly listed factory prices — not a quotation, and not a guess.
We source the tool families below direct from vetted Chinese factories, matched to the material and tolerance you just worked out. Every batch ships with its material certificate and dimensional record.
Kennametal grades — KC / KCU / K / KCP series, ANSI C-class mapping, uncoated K313 & K68
Sandvik Coromant grades — GC series, the 43-family hardness ladder, Inveio CVD alumina
Iscar grades — IC prefix, IC9xxx PVD vs IC8xxx CVD, SUMO TEC
Mitsubishi grades — MC / VP / UE / US prefixes and the NX cermet series
Tungaloy grades — T9200 series with published substrate hardness and strength
Seco grades — TP / CP / TS prefixes, Duratomic alumina technology
Walter grades — WPP series, Tiger·tec Gold vs Silver, AlCrN layers
CNMG inserts — Full code decode, real factory price ranges, cutting speeds
Turning insert shapes — WNMG, TNMG, DNMG, SNMG, VNMG, CCMT decoded and compared
Milling inserts — APMT1604, APKT, SEKT decoded; the clearance trap
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FOUND THE EQUIVALENT GRADE? Matching the ISO class is the easy half. The half that decides whether the tool performs is whether the supplier's rod and sintering actually deliver that class.
We source carbide cutting tools from China for job shops. We do not own a factory, which is why we can quote your drawing against two or three plants that actually run your material.
Cutting formulas with the units worked through · Speed and feed starting points for all six ISO material groups · How to read a carbide grade past its ISO code. 12 pages.
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