Home / Knowledge / Kennametal KSEM vs Walter Tools DC170 Supreme
Kennametal KSEM vs Walter Tools DC170 Supreme
Kennametal KSEM and Walter Tools DC170 Supreme are documented holemaking systems with different product architecture and application priorities. KSEM is Kennametal's modular drilling system built around reusable drill bodies and replaceable carbide center inserts. DC170 Supreme is Walter's coolant-through solid-carbide drill family for high-performance drilling, with specified length variants from short through deep-hole ratios.
Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Kennametal KSEM | Walter Tools DC170 Supreme |
|---|---|---|
| System architecture | System architecture: machine-side drill body plus workpiece-side KSEM center insert, with compatibility controlled by diameter and insert seat size. | Walter's catalog identifies DC170 Supreme as a 140-degree coolant-through solid-carbide drill family. |
| Documented application focus | Modular production drilling where a reusable body and replaceable carbide cutting point are preferred. | Production drilling in the ISO P and K material areas identified in Walter literature. |
| Technical selection detail | Official records identify bodies by depth ratio and shank style, including WN, WD, SS, SSF, and structural-steel SFP variants across the available range. | Cited 16xD tools use DIN 6535 HA shanks and WJ30EJ cutting-tool material. |
| Primary documented constraint | A body and insert with similar nominal diameters are not necessarily compatible; insert seat size and current compatibility data control the assembly. | Depth ratio and diameter are embedded in the designation and cannot be inferred from the family name. |
| Manufacturer-guided selection | Capture both Kennametal material numbers and ISO/ANSI catalog IDs for the body and insert, plus depth ratio, shank, seat size, geometry, grade, and diameter. | Store the complete Walter designation, diameter, depth ratio, grade, shank, coolant, holder, and reconditioning status. |
Best fit by application
Kennametal KSEM
- Modular production drilling where a reusable body and replaceable carbide cutting point are preferred.
- Capture both Kennametal material numbers and ISO/ANSI catalog IDs for the body and insert, plus depth ratio, shank, seat size, geometry, grade, and diameter.
Walter Tools DC170 Supreme
- Production drilling in the ISO P and K material areas identified in Walter literature.
- Store the complete Walter designation, diameter, depth ratio, grade, shank, coolant, holder, and reconditioning status.
Selection notes
Use KSEM when its documented application focus and technical configuration match the operation more closely; use DC170 Supreme when its documented architecture and constraints provide the better fit.
Compare complete configured assemblies and current manufacturer data rather than treating either family name as one universal item.
Variables to validate
- KSEM: A body and insert with similar nominal diameters are not necessarily compatible; insert seat size and current compatibility data control the assembly.
- DC170 Supreme: Depth ratio and diameter are embedded in the designation and cannot be inferred from the family name.
- Normalize diameter or cutter size, reach, interface, work material, machine conditions, coolant, and acceptance criteria before comparing performance or cost.
Official product references
- KSEM: Kennametal KSEM SPL insert record 5964049
- KSEM: Kennametal KSEM HP insert and compatible-body record
- KSEM: Kennametal KSEM ST-Line drill-body record 7138115
- DC170 Supreme: Walter DC170 Supreme item record 04.763 mm
- DC170 Supreme: Walter 2024 holemaking catalog
- DC170 Supreme: Walter DC170 Supreme brochure
We work to keep this information reliable, but specifications and availability can change. Verify critical details with the manufacturer through the official resources above.