Dr. Schroter, a German scientist, invented “cemented carbide” in the 1920s. This new cutting tool material was shown to be much harder than the existing high-speed steel (HSS). It was originally manufactured to serve as another option to using diamond cutting tools. The initial process mixed tungsten carbide particles with cobalt to form a solid metal that could be molded into numerous applications.

Over time this recipe has been refined. This includes reducing the carbide particle size and increasing the cobalt content. This newer configuration was designed to create a more consistent product outcome and increase the life of the tool.

Pros and Cons of Using Carbide Cutting Tools

As in any type of cutting tool, carbide cutting tools have pros and cons to using them in your shop. They are listed below:

Pros:

• Higher wear resistance increases working life
• Robust heat tolerance allows for higher RPM cutting speeds
• Produces better surface finishes than HSS tools
• Retains hardness even under compression
• Excellent selection for working with highly abrasive materials including polymers, glass-filled plastics, and cast iron
• Higher speed cutting reduces production cycle times
• Works well for either rigid or synchronous CNC machines

Cons:

• More expensive option than HSS tools
• HSS has a higher tensile strength than carbide
• Sharpening or putting an edge on carbide tools can be difficult
• Carbide tends to create internal tension hence limiting the shape and type of cutting edge that can be fabricated
• Carbide tools are more brittle than HSS, leading to more frequent breakage

In the end, choosing to use carbide tools depends on what you need to cut, and how fast you need to cut it. If you have questions, contact BlackHawk Industrial Supply for help with your decision. You can also call us TOLL FREE at (855) 610-1001.