Why Is Carbide Used as a Cutting Tool Material?
Tungsten carbide, here meaning sintered tungsten carbide bonded with cobalt, is a material used across almost every industry. Its most notable application, however, is as cutting tools, such as inserts, drills, and end mills. Why is carbide so widely preferred for cutting applications compared with other materials? We’ll explain the reasons in detail. (Image Source: Photo by gefrorene_wand on pixabay.com) 1. Superior wear resistance & durability Tungsten carbide is far harder and more abrasion-resistant than conventional high-speed steel. That hardness lets the cutting edge keep its geometry and sharpness through far more cuts, so carbide tools retain cutting performance for a much longer time under the same working conditions. ...