Carbide cutting tools and High-Speed Steel (HSS) are two of the most dominant cutting tools in the diamond manufacturing industry. However, metalworkers and masons often find it difficult to choose between HSS and Carbide cutting tools. Although both of these tools are essential, their importance depends on the purpose for which you want to use them.
In this article, we have prepared some useful tips that will enable you to pick the most suitable for your project. Also, we highlight some factors you should consider before making your decision.
Table of Contents
- 1. Define your objectives
- 2. Know the various cutting parameters
- 3. Understand the pros and cons of both tools
- 4. Factor in the cost
- 5. Choosing readymade or customized tools
- Final thoughts
Figure 1: A carbide-cutting tool
1. Define your objectives
Your choice of tools is crucial, and dependent on the job at hand. We will analyze both tools as regards your job intentions – drilling, milling, tapping, and cutting.
●Drilling
HSS drills seem to be outpacing Solid carbide drills in terms of popularity. However, carbide drills are more compatible with the CNC machine. But if you are considering the cutting economy, especially when you’re drilling smaller diameters and larger depths, you may need to reconsider selecting the HSS. It is because carbide drill breakage while cutting is quite costly and can interrupt productivity until you replace the tool. Thus, HSS drills become the go-to selection as they can thrive and perform even if you’re using them in old machine tools with limited horsepower.
●Milling
Milling with both tools comes with some crucial factors. If you’re looking to do a small end milling, then HSS tools should do the job. HSS tools work as efficient millers, especially in the face of inadequate coolant, spindle horsepower, or feed rate capacity of the machine/equipment in question. However, if all these factors are present, carbide millers should work well.
Also, carbide-cutting tools work better when you’ve got an esmooth and controlled entry The Carbide blade comes with a high, steady feed rate and work speed. These useful features could work against the metalworker if they lack experience and expertise.
●Tapping
We can also liken tapping to drilling in this context. If you’re looking to embark on a small end tapping, then a Carbide cutting tool should function well. It is because; you’ll be in full control of the diameter and depth. It doesn’t mean you can’t use Carbide cutting tools for large projects, but they should be under expert supervision. Most metalworkers prefer to use HSS cutting tools for most construction projects because they tend to be more forgiving in the face of errors. Carbide-cutting tools don’t provide such luxury as the wrong move or calculation could impede productivity.
●Cutting
The efficiency of cutting is directly proportional to the cutting speed. Consequently, it’s preferable to select carbide saw blades for cuttings. Carbide chainsaw blades, as well as other carbide blades, are incomparable when it comes to cutting speed. On average, Carbide cutting tools outperform HSS tools by 4-12 times faster, depending on the materials and the project in question.
Figure 2: A set of metal drillers
With this factor, productivity will be proportionally high. However, productivity is quite dependent on the workers’ level of expertise. Another crucial reason diamond manufacturers use an HSS tool for most projects is because of its low-cost implications. HSS tools are easier to re-sharpen. However, carbide saw blade sharpeners are available for carbide-cutting tool enthusiasts. Eventually, it all comes down to preference, expertise, and ease.
2. Know the various cutting parameters
You must understand the various cutting parameters in selecting either HSS tools or Carbide cutting tools. Here are some of the parameters to consider.
●Material machinability
The type of materials goes a long way in deciding if you will need a carbide blade or an HSS cutting tool. However, some materials require specific tools such as carbide circular saw blades, carbide chainsaw blades, and the like. The sturdiness of the material is also a critical deciding factor. Most laypeople believe that a softer material would be easier to cut than a harder one. However, this doesn’t hold in all cases, as the flexibility of the material also plays a significant role.
●Cutting tool material
The tool material also plays a huge role in deciding its efficiency. Generally, carbide-cutting tools tend to be stronger and can withstand tremendous cutting effects. The tool’s sturdiness, strength, wear resistance, and thermal stability also determine tits cutting depth
Figure 3: A carbide metal cutter cutting metal
●Cutting speed
Cutting speed is crucial to productivity. It’s the speed at which a tool passes through the work material. There is always an average cutting speed for every material and cutting tool. To get the best cutting speed, you must ensure that the cutting tool is fully compatible with the material you are processing. Generally, the Carbide blade tends to have incomparable cutting speeds compared to its HSS counterparts.
●Depth
Since most cutting projects involve drilling, tapping, and milling, it’s only necessary that you select a cutting tool that can dig deep. With the horsepower feature of Carbide cutting tools, carbide saw blades, and the like; they will perform efficiently as highly effective diggers.
Figure 4: Metal drilling in progress
●Feed rate
It’s the relative speed at which a work tool traverses over the workpiece to drill, cut, mill, or tap. In the case of most carbide circular saws or carbide chainsaw blades, you calculate the feed rate by identifying the interval at which the teeth edges come in contact with the work material.
●Coolant
some cutting tools come with automatic coolants that lubricate the cutting process. This lubrication reduces the wear rate of the tool. Coolants in metal cutters can range from water-soluble oils to to spray oils. Most carbide-cutting tool manufacturers tend to include these coolants in their tool packages.
3. Understand the pros and cons of both tools
Yes, you have to understand that HSS cutting tools and Carbide blades come with their pros and cons. Here are some of them:
●Durability
Often, the durability of your cutting tools depends on the work materials. Carbide-cutting tools are more efficient in completing construction projects quickly than HSS tools. However, the maintenance cost makes it an expensive tool to maintain. HSS cutting tools aren’t as efficient as Carbide cutting tools, but they are quite easy to maintain. It invariably means that they tend to last longer.
●Resistance to heat
It boils down to the cooling features of both tools. The Carbide blade emits more heat during work processes due to higher horsepower and speed. Carbide-cutting tools are most efficient when you have installed a coolant to calm the heat. HSS cutting tools don’t emit as much heat, which makes them the go-to tool on many occasions.
●Sturdiness
The hardness of the work tool also plays a significant role in choosing. It would be best if you went for a work tool directly proportional to the workforce. It would be best if you also employed this factor when choosing a blade for your carbide or HSS cutting tools. Note that speed is also deciding how your cutting tool functions. Carbide blades have greater speed, which also plays a huge role in their penetrating power.
4. Factor in the cost
Carbide-cutting tools such as carbide saw blades, chainsaw blades, and circular carbide blades are usually more expensive. It is because of their superior horsepower, speed, and efficiency. They are also more costly to maintain. HSS cutting tools, on the other hand, are less efficient and less expensive to maintain. Efficiency breeds productivity. However, you can’t overlook the cost implication. It would be best to strike a balance between efficiency and cost implication. If you’re keen on meeting deadlines, then the Carbide blade is your best bet. If you have more time, you can use HSS cutting tools. Note that NC Cutting Tools can make customized tools using any of these materials at a more affordable cost. You can reach out to our specialists to discuss your concerns.
5. Choosing readymade or customized tools
Readymade cutting tools would perform better for generic projects such as the usual drilling and cutting. However, for specific projects, you may need tools such as carbide circular chainsaws, carbide saw blades, and the like. You can purchase generic tools in the market. However, you may need to reach out to specific carbide cutting tool manufacturers like NC Cutting Tools for customized cutting tools.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions on choosing between HSS and Carbide cutting tools.
What is the cost of both cutting tools?
Their prices tend to vary, but Carbide cutting tools are more expensive. It is due to the speed and efficiency of the tools. Carbide-cutting tools cost around $25 – $100, while HSS-cutting tools cost around $10 – $50.
Can you use both tools interchangeably?
Yes, you can use both interchangeably if compatible with the material in question. However, depending on your chosen tool, you may have a reduction/increase in speed and efficiency.
Which is better HSS and, Carbide Cutting Tools?
It all depends on what you’re working on and your expertise. Some metalworkers prefer to work with Carbide blades, and others, vice-versa. However, if you’re finding it difficult to decide, you can reach out to us here, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Final thoughts
From what we have discussed, you should carefully consider your tool choice and evaluate it with the tips above. Suppose you wish to select top-notch tools for your project. In that case, you can easily request custom-made tools at NC Cutting Tools, as we are in the business of manufacturing customized grinding wheels as well as other diamond cutting tools. We also offer expert advice as regards construction projects and other related activities.
