how carbide inserts are made

Do you know what the “small steel Inserts” in machine tools Tungsten carbide inserts that can cut through iron like mud are made of?

It is carbide inserts! This super material with tungsten carbide as its core is 3 times harder than steel, wear-resistant and high-temperature resistant, and is the “teeth” of modern manufacturing.

Manufacturing process of cemented carbide inserts!

Powder mixing formula

First, workers precisely mix tungsten carbide powder with metal binders such as cobalt. The ratio determines hardness and toughness – just like the balance of water and flour when kneading dough!

Pressing and molding

Then, the mold presses the mixed powder into the shape of the blade under high pressure. At this time, it looks like a crisp cookie, which we call a “green body”.

High-temperature sintering

Then, the green body enters the 1500℃ sintering furnace. Magical things happen: the powder particles melt and reorganize, and the volume shrinks by nearly 50%, eventually becoming a solid carbide insert as dense as a rock!

Precision grinding

Next, the diamond grinding wheel performs “precision carving surgery” on the blade. The edge precision reaches the micron level – 70 times thinner than a hair!

Super coating (key step!)

Finally, put on the “golden armor” on the blade: through CVD or PVD process, the surface is coated with wear-resistant coatings such as titanium nitride (TiN). Why do we need coating? It extends the life of the blade by 3-5 times!

what is a carbide turning insert

Which inserts play a major role when lathes are machining cylindrical parts?

Carbide Turning Inserts! They are specially designed for turning rotating workpieces and have a unique cutting edge geometry.

Core advantages:

Indexable Inserts: A single insert has multiple cutting edges! When one cutting edge is worn, you can continue to use it by simply turning it to a different angle, saving money and time.

Modular installation: Workers can quickly install indexable inserts on the tool bar like changing batteries, reducing downtime by 90%!

Various types: Carbide cutting inserts with different grooves and coatings are available for materials such as steel, cast iron, and titanium alloys.

From tungsten carbide powder to carbide tool inserts with sparkling coatings, it combines the wisdom of material science and precision manufacturing.

These “industrial teeth” continue to revolutionize the manufacturing industry – the next time you hear the roar of a machine tool, don’t forget that there are carbide inserts creating the world inside!