ISO 5611-1:2015

Overview

ISO 5611-1:2015 - "Cartridges, type A, for indexable inserts - Part 1: General survey, correlation and determination of dimensions" is the general (introductory) part of the ISO 5611 series for cartridges (type A) used with indexable inserts. It establishes the scope, definitions and measurement principles that are completed by ISO 5611‑2 to ISO 5611‑12. The standard covers cartridges primarily intended for indexable inserts made of hard metal, ceramic or other cutting materials for turning operations, typically clamped to holders with one or two screws. It also explains the designation code in accordance with ISO 5608.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Survey of standardized cartridge styles and heights - lists styles (F, G, J, K, L, R, S, T, U, W, Y) and standardized cutting-edge heights (e.g., 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25 mm).
• Correlation tables - tabulated relationships for crucial toolholder dimensions such as length (l), transverse dimension (f) and height (h) by style and cutting-edge height.
• Smallest internal operating diameter - minimum bore diameters for accessing internal features are specified per cartridge size (for example: h = 6 mm → dmin = 20 mm; h = 25 mm → dmin = 100 mm).
• Shank geometry and fastening - correlations between shank dimensions, bore diameters and fastening screws (including options for slotted holes) with recommended tolerances.
• Cutting-edge corner definitions - formal definitions of the measured cutting-edge corner point K and the theoretical corner T, including how these vary with edge angle, feed direction and corner radius.
• Master insert corner radii and correction values - provides master gauge radii and correction methods (x and y) to adjust l and f when using inserts with radii different from the master values (accurate reference radii include 0.397, 0.794, 1.191 and 2.381 mm).
• Measurement rules and tolerances - specifies how f and h are measured on master inserts/shims and clarifies that these tolerances do not include insert or shank manufacturing tolerances.

Practical applications and users

ISO 5611-1:2015 is used by:

• Tool designers and toolholder manufacturers for consistent design and interchangeability of cartridge toolholders.
• Cutting-tool suppliers and insert manufacturers to align insert geometry and corner radii with holder dimensions.
• CNC programmers and process engineers verifying tool accessibility and internal turning operations.
• Quality control and inspection teams to verify dimensional compliance and measurement procedures.
• Procurement and maintenance teams specifying compatible cartridges and inserts.

Related standards

• ISO 5611‑2 to ISO 5611‑12 (styles F, G, J, K, L, R, S, T, U, W, Y)
• ISO 5608 (designation code)
• ISO/TS 13399 series (digital representation of cutting tools - see informative Annex A for mapping)

Keywords: ISO 5611-1:2015, cartridges type A, indexable inserts, turning operations, toolholder dimensions, cutting-edge corner, insert corner radius, ISO 5608.