Cutting tools are an essential part of manufacturing processes.
They are used in a variety of industries, including metalworking and woodworking.
However, different cutting material types have unique cutting tool properties—such as strength, toughness, and wear resistance—that make them suitable for specific tasks.
So, it’s important to know what each material is capable of before choosing which one you want to use for your project.
Below is a cutting tools list based on the most commonly used tool materials used in machining.
Types of Cutting Tool Materials
Carbon
Carbon is one of the most common cutting tool materials, and for good reason.
It is easy to machine and is relatively inexpensive.
Moreover, carbon is tough, but not as tough as tungsten carbide or diamond.
However, carbon’s main drawback is its brittleness.
If not properly heat treated after machining, carbon can crack easily under stress or sudden impact loads.
High-speed steel (HSS)
High-speed steel (HSS) is a type of tool steel that has been hardened through the use of alloying elements.
The main alloying element in HSS is tungsten, which increases the cutting speed and strength of the steel.
Hence, high-speed steels are ideal for creating cutting tools that are used under high pressure, high temperature, and high-speed conditions.
Cemented carbide cutting tool materials
Cemented carbide is a composite cutting material made from tungsten, tantalum, and titanium carbide with cobalt as the binder.
It is suitable to use in applications where extreme durability, wear resistance, and high strength are needed.
It is also resistant to corrosion at high temperatures and is perfect for use in extreme environments like aerospace applications or oil refineries.
Ceramics
Ceramics are strong and durable, but they can also be brittle.
They are very good at withstanding high temperatures, which makes them ideal for cutting tools used in metalworking processes like welding or brazing.
Furthermore, their low thermal expansion coefficient makes them a good choice for use in extreme temperatures.
When it comes to wear resistance, ceramics tend to be less durable than metal or polymers.
But they are still one of the best materials for cutting tools because they are resistant to corrosion.
Cubic boron nitrate (CBN)
Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) is the second hardest cutting material after diamond. Known for its extreme hardness, CBN is a popular choice in the tool industry.
The reason is that it has a high hardness rating and is perfect to create cutting tools that are hard, but also brittle.
This means that it is difficult to create a sharp edge on these tools, but they will last for a long time before needing to be replaced.
Diamond cutting tool materials
Diamond is the hardest material and the most expensive.
It offers outstanding cutting tool properties including high thermal conductivity, exceptional abrasion resistance, and minimal thermal expansion.
Diamond is ideal for machining very hard materials such as carbides, nitrides, and glass.
Moreover, diamond cutting tools give a good surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
However, they are not so recommended for machining steel.
Custom Cutting Tools for Your Machining Requirements
The performance, longevity, and accuracy of a cutting tool are directly dependent on the quality and its materials.
At ASIME, we supply a wide cutting tools list to meet the demands of industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and general manufacturing.
Whether you’re working with metals, composites, or ceramics, we provide expert guidance on tool materials used in machining to ensure the best outcomes for your project.
Are you ready to make your own custom cutting tools? Contact us right away!
Suggested read: 5 Best CNC Cutting Tools For Precision Metal Cutting
