What Are The Disadvantages Of Tungsten Carbide Cutting Tools?

Tungsten carbide cutting tools are widely used in various industries due to their high hardness, wear resistance, and toughness. However, like any other material, tungsten carbide also has some disadvantages that must be considered before using it in certain applications. In this article, we will discuss the disadvantages of tungsten carbide cutting tools.

1. High Cost

Tungsten carbide cutting tools are quite expensive compared to other cutting tool materials. The high cost is due to the complex manufacturing process and the high cost of raw materials. This can be a significant disadvantage for small businesses or those with tight budgets.

2. Brittle

Tungsten carbide is a very hard and brittle material that can easily crack or break if subjected to sudden impact or stress. This can be a problem in applications that require high-speed cutting or heavy machining. In such cases, the cutting tool may break or chip, leading to the need for frequent replacements.

3. Difficult to Grind

Tungsten carbide cutting tools are difficult to grind due to their high hardness and toughness. This makes it challenging to achieve the required surface finish and sharpness. Grinding tungsten carbide requires specialized equipment and expertise, which can add to the cost of maintaining the cutting tools.

4. Limited Temperature Range

Tungsten carbide cutting tools have a limited temperature range and can only be used within certain temperature limits. At high temperatures, tungsten carbide can become brittle and lose its hardness, which can affect its cutting performance. This can be a problem in applications that require cutting at high temperatures.

5. Challenging to Join

Tungsten carbide cutting tools are challenging to join due to their high hardness and brittleness. Welding, brazing, or soldering tungsten carbide requires specialized equipment and expertise, which can add to the cost of manufacturing and maintaining the cutting tools.

Conclusion

Tungsten carbide cutting tools have many advantages that make them ideal for various applications. However, they also have some disadvantages that must be considered before using them. The high cost, brittleness, difficulty in grinding and joining, and limited temperature range are some of the disadvantages of tungsten carbide cutting tools. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of using tungsten carbide cutting tools before making a decision.