When surplus PCD inserts are mixed together in photos, first ask the seller to group them by their complete model numbers, and then request a reinspection of the actual inserts intended for shipment. You should only consider purchasing the entire batch when the model numbers, quantities, and evidence of the cutting edge condition can be accurately matched to the delivery batch, and after both parties have agreed on how to handle non-conforming items upon arrival. If the evidence covers only a small number of inserts, limit your trial order to this verified portion. If even the trial order items cannot be identified or reinspected, or if the seller refuses your mandatory acceptance conditions, abandon the batch.

First, Verify the Model Number and Cutting Edge Usability

Polycrystalline Diamond, abbreviated as PCD, is a cutting tool material composed of many bonded diamond grains. When purchasing PCD inserts, in addition to confirming the insert model, you must also verify the grade and the cutting edge specifications that affect usage. Even among PCD inserts of the same type, the nose radius, chamfer, and edge preparation may vary. Original manufacturer specification data (such as Sandvik Coromant insert specification data) can help you verify your ordering requirements.

For mixed surplus stock, model verification and cutting edge reinspection must be conducted separately. Box labels can only serve as a reliable basis for identification if they correspond directly to the physical items. If the seller can only provide photos of a few box labels but cannot clarify which box the loose inserts came from, list these loose inserts as “pending confirmation” and temporarily deduct them from the purchasable quantity. Even after the model number has been verified, you still need to check whether the agreed-upon working edges and corners have any chipping, visible cracks, or wear.

What Evidence to Look For Based on the Seller’s Reinspection Level

Ask the seller to first separate the intended delivery inserts by complete model number, assign a number to each group, and list the quantities. Next, agree on which working edges and corners are to be inspected, what magnification equipment will be used, and what defects constitute non-conformance. Have the seller first send a set of close-up photos that clearly show the cutting edges. If reflections, poor focus, or angles obscure the working edges, ask the seller to retake them, and then determine whether this method is viable for subsequent acceptance inspections.

Photos and reinspection records only answer what can be seen under agreed-upon conditions. If your purchase depends on the actual surface finish post-machining or the tool life, use the test-cutting results as the determining factor for placing additional orders.

When to Buy the Entire Batch, Reduce to a Trial Order, or Abandon

Purchasing the entire batch is suitable when model numbers can be clearly distinguished, records match the actual delivery, and the scope of acceptance aligns with your intended application. If every piece must meet agreed-upon cutting edge appearance conditions, demand a piece-by-piece reinspection and the removal of non-conforming items. If you are willing to accept the risk that uninspected items may still have defects, you can proceed with grouped sampling inspections. However, you must specify in advance how samples will be drawn from the delivery batch and whether finding non-conforming items will lead to expanded inspection, piece-by-piece screening, or outright rejection of that group.

Reducing to a trial order is suitable when the seller can only provide a small number of verifiable reinspected items, or if you still need on-machine verification. Ask the seller to separately bag and label the trial order items that passed reinspection, and list only these physical items in the order. If the purpose of the trial order is to decide on a larger follow-up purchase, also ask the seller to specify which group the remaining stock belongs to and whether it can be reinspected under the exact same conditions. A successful test cut can justify further evaluation of the remaining stock, but actual delivered items must still be inspected when you add to the order.

Abandoning the batch is the right choice when even the minimum trial order cannot be fulfilled. For instance, if the seller cannot confirm the complete model of the trial order items, mixes the inserts back into the original pile after photographing them, or demands payment prior to reinspection while you must confirm the cutting edges before paying. In such cases, shrinking the order merely reduces the quantity purchased; it fails to ensure the received inserts match your acceptance evidence.

Clarify Acceptance and Non-Conformance Handling Before Payment

Include the following four items in your order confirmation and ask the seller to reply to each point before making any payment:

• Delivery Scope: Specify the complete model numbers, grades, quantities per group, and packaging identification. Trial order items should be listed separately, and any replacement items must also be reinspected as agreed.
• Inspection and Judgment: Specify which cutting edges and corners to inspect, the magnification conditions, whether to use sampling or piece-by-piece inspection, and the exact criteria for non-conformance. If there are dimensional requirements, state the limits and measurement methods.
• Reinspection Evidence: Specify what photos and records must be received prior to payment, and how group or item numbers will be matched with the shipping packaging. For sampling inspections, clearly state how discovered non-conformances will be handled.
• Arrival Processing: Agree on the timeline for upon-arrival reinspection and feedback, the required evidence to be submitted, and the procedures for replenishment, refunds, or returns in the event of wrong models, short shipments, or non-conforming edges. If returns are involved, clearly state who will bear the freight costs.

You can start by sending a list grouped by complete model numbers, asking the seller to fill in the reinspectable quantity for each group, accompanied by a set of close-up cutting edge photos. Use this reply to determine which inserts can be officially included in the order, and then finalize the terms for upon-arrival reinspection and non-conformance handling.