The Evolution of Cutting Tool Materials: From High Carbon Steel to Advanced Ceramics and Beyond. Following this, cast alloy cutting tools were introduced, offering even better performance than HSS. These tools could withstand higher temperatures and provided longer tool life, reducing machining time and improving efficiency. As the industry progressed, the 1930s brought another major innovation: cemented carbide. This material, also known as sintered carbide or tungsten carbide, is composed of hard carbide particles bonded together by a metallic binder. Initially, these tools were brazed onto their bodies, but soon, indexable inserts became the standard in the industry. Indexable inserts are manufactured by pressing a slurry of cemented carbide into a mold. After pressing, the inserts are soft and porous, so they undergo a high-temperature process called sintering to densify them, increasing their hardness and strength. Some inserts are further ground to achieve precise dimensions and thickness. Additionally, many are coated with thin layers—such as titanium nitride or aluminum oxide—to enhance wear resistance and improve cutting performance. Compared to HSS tools, carbide tools are more resistant to wear and heat, allowing for higher cutting speeds and feeds, which leads to faster machining and lower costs. However, they are also more brittle, requiring stronger spindles and fixtures. Carbide tools are commonly used in CNC machines, while HSS tools are still preferred in manual or less demanding applications. Another advanced material, cermet, combines the properties of ceramics and metals, offering excellent wear resistance and surface finish. It’s ideal for low-depth cuts and light feeds but isn’t suitable for heavy machining due to its sensitivity to compressive stress. Ceramic tools are designed for machining tough materials like hardened steel, cast iron, and heat-resistant alloys. They can handle high cutting speeds and maintain their shape under extreme heat. CBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride) is an extremely hard and expensive material used for machining hardened steels and gray cast iron. It's typically bonded to a carbide substrate in the form of inserts or layers. PCD (polycrystalline diamond) is used for non-ferrous materials such as aluminum and composites, but it cannot be used on ferrous materials like steel or cast iron because it reacts at high temperatures. In the past, cutting tools required frequent resharpening, which was time-consuming and reduced productivity. The introduction of indexable inserts changed this. These inserts can be quickly replaced without the need for regrinding, thanks to their tight tolerances and precision manufacturing. This advancement has made them a popular choice in modern CNC machines, where speed, accuracy, and efficiency are essential. In summary, the evolution of cutting tool materials has transformed the machining industry, enabling more efficient, precise, and cost-effective operations. From early high carbon steels and HSS to advanced materials like cemented carbide, cermet, ceramic, CBN, and PCD, each innovation has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in metalworking. Today, indexable inserts remain at the forefront of this progress, playing a key role in modern machining practices and driving continuous improvements in productivity and quality. NPK water soluble fertilizer, NPK water soluble fertilizer powder, NPK water soluble fertilizer for plants Yantai Hongyuan Bio-fertilizer Co.,Ltd. , https://www.hongyuanlinong.com
Cutting tools have undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, especially in the field of machining. In the 1800s, high carbon steel and alloy carbon steel were the primary materials used for cutting tools. These materials had limited performance, especially when it came to heat resistance and durability. However, a major breakthrough occurred with the development of Mushet Steel, which led to the creation of high-speed steel (HSS) around 1915. HSS significantly improved tool life and allowed for faster cutting speeds, marking a turning point in machining technology.
September 27, 2025