Carbide inserts are replaceable, indexable cutting tips mounted on tool holders for a wide range of machining operations. They are renowned for their superior performance and efficiency in modern manufacturing.
The key to their performance lies in their composition. They are primarily made from tungsten carbide (WC), a hard ceramic material, which is bonded together with a cobalt (Co) metal binder through a process called powder metallurgy. This combination creates a material that exhibits an exceptional balance of high hardness, excellent wear resistance, and considerable toughness.
To further enhance their capabilities, most carbide inserts are coated with advanced, ultra-hard materials like Titanium Nitride (TiN), Titanium CarboNitride (TiCN), or Aluminum Oxide using Chemical Vapor Deposition or Physical Vapor Deposition) processes. These coatings significantly increase surface hardness, reduce friction and heat generation, and improve resistance to crater and flank wear, thereby extending tool life substantially.
){kind=link}