Carbide and TiN Coated Carbide Inserts

  Tungsten carbide is a compound of tungsten and carbon, renowned in industry for its superior durability and high melting point (2,870◦C). It is widely used in applications that require superior wear or impact resistance, such as abrasives, cutters, dies and punches.

Tungsten carbide is used to cut materials such as steel (including carbon steel and stainless steel), titanium, cast iron, non-ferrous metals (like aluminum and copper), wood, and even other hard materials like hardened steel.  

Common Applications:

• Metal Cutting: This is the primary application, including turning, milling, drilling, and boring. 
• Woodworking: Carbide inserts can be used for sawing, planing, and milling. 
• Non-metal Cutting: They can be used for cutting stone, glass, and ceramics. 
• CNC Machinery: Carbide inserts are used in a variety of CNC applications, such as indexable drills, boring bars, face mills, and end mills. 
• Aerospace: Used in machining high-strength alloys and composite materials. 
• Automotive: Used in machining various metal components. 
• Jewelry Making: Used in shaping and in jewelry itself. 
• Mining and Construction: Used in applications like road milling and scarifying. 

Specific Examples:

• Turning: Inserts used for shaping and cutting metal on lathes. 
• Milling: Inserts used for cutting metal surfaces in high-speed milling machines. 
• Drilling and Boring: Inserts used for creating accurate holes in metal workpieces. 
• Threading: Inserts used for creating threads on cylindrical workpieces. 
• Grooving and Parting: Inserts used for grooving, recessing, and parting operations. 
• Profiling: Used to trace complex part shapes. 
• Face Milling: Used to true up large flat surfaces. 
• End Milling: Used to rough out pockets and cut slots. 

Advantages of Carbide Inserts:

• High Hardness: Provides exceptional wear resistance.
• Heat Resistance: Withstands high temperatures during machining.
• Durability: Lasts longer than other materials in demanding applications.
• Versatility: Can be used in a wide range of machining operations. 

TiN-coated inserts are widely used in industrial applications, particularly in machining, due to their high hardness, wear resistance, and good corrosion resistance. These coatings enhance the performance of cutting tools, including drills, taps, end mills, and inserts. TiN coating is also known for its biocompatibility, making it suitable for medical, dental, and food applications. Here's a more detailed look at TiN-coated insert applications:

Machining:

• General Machining:TiN coating improves crater wear resistance at high cutting speeds and feeds. It's suitable for various machining operations like boring, slotting, facemilling, sidemilling, and shoulder milling, especially when working with steel. 
• Specific Materials:TiN-coated inserts can be used for machining various materials, including steel, cast iron, aluminum, and high-strength steels. 
• High Heat Applications:TiN coating can help maintain stability during high-heat cutting operations, reducing the risk of tool failure. 
• Improved Cutting Conditions:The coating helps to maintain stability during high-heat cutting operations, improving cutting conditions and reducing the risk of tool failure. 
• Increased Tool Life:TiN coating contributes to longer tool life, particularly in demanding machining applications. 

Other Applications:

• Biocompatibility:TiN coating is biocompatible, making it suitable for medical, dental, and food applications. 
• Decorative and Functional Coatings:TiN coating can be used for decorative purposes, creating a "gold-like" finish on materials. It's also used as a wear-resistant coating in various applications. 
• General Tool Applications:TiN coating can be applied to various tools, including drills, taps, end mills, reamers, and inserts. 
• Other Examples:TiN coating is used in firearm components, knife blades, and bicycle parts.