Cutting Tool Selection GuideTrendingPractical
2026年4月22日
Introduction to Common Cutting Tool Materials
Introduction to Common Cutting Tool Materials (Properties & Applications) Various cutting methods are applied under different machining conditions, which impose distinct requirements on cutting tools.
Introduction to Common Cutting Tool Materials (Properties & Applications)
Various cutting methods are applied under different machining conditions, which impose distinct requirements on cutting tools. Each type of cutting tool requires unique mechanical properties. To meet diverse machining demands, cutting tools are manufactured from different materials. The selection of tool materials depends on the workpiece material, machining type, production volume, and surface quality requirements.
Based on material characteristics, cutting tools can be classified into six major categories:
- Carbon Tool Steel
- High-Speed Steel (HSS)
- Cemented Carbide
- Ceramic
- Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN)
- Diamond
1. Carbon Tool Steel
Carbon tool steel is an economical option for low-speed machining. It contains 0.6%-1.5% carbon and less than 0.5% manganese and silicon. Additional alloying elements such as chromium and vanadium are added to optimize hardness and grain structure.
High-carbon steel delivers good wear resistance and sharp cutting edges. However, it rapidly loses hardness at approximately 250°C, which limits its application under high-temperature cutting conditions.
Common applications include twist drills, turning tools, and forming tools for soft materials such as brass, aluminum, and magnesium alloys.
- Max Temperature Resistance: 450°C
- Hardness: Up to HRC 65
2. High-Speed Steel (HSS)
High-speed steel is an alloyed carbon steel containing tungsten, molybdenum, and chromium. These elements enhance hardenability, toughness, and abrasion resistance, enabling higher metal removal rates.
HSS begins to soften at around 650°C. Coolant is recommended to extend tool service life, and HSS tools can be resharpened for repeated use. Various surface treatments are applied to improve overall performance:
- Polishing: Reduce friction
- Nitriding: Improve wear resistance
- Chromium Plating: Lower friction coefficient
- Oxidation: Enhance heat resistance
Typical HSS products include drills, milling cutters, and broaches.
- Cutting Speed: 30-50 m/min
- Max Temperature Resistance: 650°C
- Hardness: Up to HRC 67
3. Cemented Carbide
Cemented carbide tools are produced via powder metallurgy. Composed of tungsten carbide, tantalum carbide, and titanium carbide with cobalt as the binder. When nickel or molybdenum replaces cobalt as the binder, the material is defined as cermet.
Cemented carbide features extreme hardness and can sustain high-speed cutting. It maintains stable hardness at temperatures up to 1000°C. Grades with higher cobalt content are suitable for rough machining, while low-cobalt grades perform better in finishing processes.
- Cutting Speed: 60-200 m/min
- Max Temperature Resistance: 1000°C
- Hardness: Up to HRC 90
4. Ceramic Tools
The most widely used ceramic materials are alumina and silicon nitride. Ceramic blanks are pressed from powder and sintered at high temperatures.
Ceramic tools are chemically inert and corrosion-resistant. With exceptional compressive strength, they remain stable at temperatures up to 1800°C. The cutting speed can reach 10 times that of HSS. Featuring low thermal conductivity and minimal chip friction, ceramic tools usually require no coolant and deliver superior surface finish.
- Cutting Speed: 300-600 m/min
- Max Temperature Resistance: 1200°C
- Hardness: Up to HRC 93
5. Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN)
CBN is the second-hardest known material after diamond. It offers outstanding wear resistance and is commonly used for abrasive grinding wheels. CBN is not recommended for sharp-edged cutting tools due to its brittleness.
- Cutting Speed: 600-800 m/min
- Hardness: Above HRC 95
6. Diamond Tools
Diamond is the hardest and most expensive industrial tool material. It exhibits excellent thermal conductivity, a high melting point, superior wear resistance, a low friction coefficient, and low thermal expansion.
Diamond tools are ideal for machining ultra-hard materials such as carbides, nitrides, and glass. They guarantee outstanding surface smoothness and precise dimensional accuracy.
Conclusion
There is no universal "best" tool material; only the most suitable one for specific machining scenarios. Understanding the fundamental characteristics of different cutting tool materials helps manufacturers make reasonable tool selection and optimize machining efficiency.