What is the difference between carbide and solid carbide?

As your project requires either carbide or Solid Carbide tools, are you confused in deciding between them? You are definitely not alone. Choosing the right tool for your needs can be very confusing for most. Using the correct tool will bring you to success because it makes it easier to work and finish your project. Don’t panic, though, because we are here to help you discern the differences and make a better decision. 

The Pros and Cons of Carbide Solid Carbide Tools

The tools are made from a mixture of the powders tungsten carbide and cobalt, along with other ingredients. These combinations are then heated in a furnace making them very tough and durable. Thus, this process allows to fab tools for good cutting and drilling. The awesome bit with carbide tools is: they could bear quite an amount of heat coming from the workpiece, without damaging it. That makes them quite handy in a lot of projects. 

In contrast, solid carbide tools are composed exclusively of tungsten carbide. This implies that they are even tougher and more robust than everyday carbide tools. They are ideal for extremely demanding applications, such as components in airplanes and cars, due to this strength. On the other hand, Solid Carbide tools are more brittle, so they will break more easily if you aren't careful. Furthermore you will as well need to consider your budget as they generally come at a higher cost than standard carbide tools. 

Choosing a Right Tool for Your Project

Using the right tool for the jobFirst, we need to consider some important factors when selecting a tool for your project. Start considering which material you have in hand. Each material has its own tools to work with. However, if you're cutting aluminum, a standard carbide tool may actually be quicker and more effective. However, if you are cutting something stronger such as steel then you would probably require a Solid Carbide End Mill tool. 

Now, you should also figure out how big or what shape you might need the tool to be. Depending on the task different, shapes and sizes work better. As an example, if you need to drill a small hole you will use a small drill bit. However, if you are tackling a larger cut, you need a bigger tool that will not be overwhelmed. 

Another variable that you need to consider is the tool speed and feed rate. This refers to the tool rotation speed and the feed rate of the tool through the material. But your project will suffer if you produce too much heat with an improper speed or wrong feed rate, or worse, the tool will break. 

Special Features of Solid Carbide

These tools are specific because they consist entirely of tungsten carbide. This provides with them features that normal carbide tools lacks. Firstly, solid carbide tools are far harder and stronger than those made from carbide, making them suitable for jobs that normal carbide tools cannot perform. They easily slice through hard materials without wearing out fast. 

Another factor is the fact that solid carbide tools are significantly more brittle than standard carbide tools. That means they are more vulnerable to cracking or breaking, should they be dropped or mishandled. However, when used properly, solid carbide tools can be quite long lasting, efficient, thus making them very profitable. 

Finally, the price of solid-carbide tools is usually higher than that of normal carbide ones. While they are more expensive, their durability and capacity to take on heavier jobs ultimately saves you money. Because, you will not have to change them frequently, plus, they can help you to finish your projects more efficiently. 

Tough jobs in carbide versus solid carbide

Solid carbide vs HSS When it comes to machining difficult materials, especially metals and alloys, solid carbide tools are often a more practical selection. They are capable of coping with the heat and high pressure that ordinary carbide tools cannot endure. It all makes solid carbide tools a go to for specialists in businesses with requirements for maintaining high levels of precision and strength. 

But, when machining non-ferrous metals such as plastic, wood or aluminum, standard carbide tools are typically faster and effective. For many of the project as fast shall need to be operated, the cuts can also make smoother. why it is so important to consider what you will be working with and just how strong of tools you require. 

Based on the properties, you should always weigh the options between carbide and solid carbide tools. At the same time, keep in mind the specifics of your machining project. It can be very useful speaking with a professional or experienced individual to determine the best tool in this regard. 

The choice of the right tool for your project is critical to success. So be sure to consider the pros and cons of carbide and solid carbide tools as they pertain to your application. You can take an educated risk in choosing whichever type gives you the best odds for success by knowing what each has to offer. Oucheng provides a large variety of carbide and solid carbide tools to cut and drill everything, an aspect of the work that will never run out of use. To find out more about this contact us today.