Shared guide / all families
Read the code, then the product.
A base designation can describe nominal geometry. It does not supply the grade, cutting conditions or proof that an exact product is available.
Two examples, different geometry
CCGT 060202 and CNMG 120408 both begin with C for an 80° rhombic outline. Their clearance, tolerance, configuration and size fields differ.
| Property | CCGT 060202 | CNMG 120408 |
|---|---|---|
| Family | CCGT | CNMG |
| Outline | 80° rhombic | 80° rhombic |
| Corner radius | 0.2 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Inscribed circle | 6.35 mm | 12.7 mm |
| Thickness | 2.38 mm | 4.76 mm |
| Corner angle | 80 ° | 80 ° |
| Clearance angle | 7 ° | 0 ° |
| Tolerance symbol | G | M |
| Configuration symbol | T | G |
| Evidence | Code table + 2 catalogue examples | Code table + 2 catalogue examples |
Follow the seven base fields
| Field | What to read | What remains separate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Shape | C, D, S, T, V, W or R in this inventory | Actual cutting edge, tip construction and usable edges |
| 2 · Clearance | B 5°, C 7°, N 0°, P 11° | Holder approach angle and rake geometry |
| 3 · Tolerance class | Keep the exact letter | Product acceptance limits and inspection method |
| 4 · Configuration | Hole / countersink / chipbreaker arrangement in the base type | Maker-specific chipbreaker profile and clamping dimensions |
| 5 · Size | Use the shape-specific column of the code table | A size symbol is not a direct millimetre measurement |
| 6 · Thickness | For example 02 → 2.38 mm, T3 → 3.97 mm, 04 → 4.76 mm | Actual product drawing and thickness tolerance |
| 7 · Corner / round convention | For example 02 → 0.2 mm and 08 → 0.8 mm for a corner | Round outlines require their M0/00 convention |
Why the shape column matters
Size 16 corresponds to 15.875 mm IC for the C outline and 9.525 mm IC for T or V in the reviewed table. Using one universal size-to-IC dictionary would produce incorrect answers.
C-outline examples →T-outline examples →V-outline examples →
Round is a different case
The source lists M0 and 00 for round inserts: the diameter convention differs between millimetre and inch-based sizes. A round shape does not have a separate ordinary nose corner at each polygon vertex. The inherited round-code conflicts are documented in the family guides.
See the round-code review →Complete the product identity
Record manufacturer, full designation and suffix, grade, edge preparation, handing and product number. Matching base codes does not establish an interchangeable tool. Catalogue examples stay attached to the exact rows that support them.
Browse references with catalogue examples →Source and limits
ISCAR · Metric insert identification ↗ · Single-sheet PDF, sections 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7; visually checked 2026-10-20.
Shape, clearance, configuration and nominal code tables only. No grade, usable-edge count, catalogue availability or acceptance tolerances inferred. Values labeled “code table” are interpretations of a designation, not measurements of a delivered product. Product-row values are reported separately, including differences in printed precision.