Choosing PCD or HW tools for woodworking

Polycrystalline diamond and carbide tools are the main options for woodworking cutters. The decision between the two types depends on many factors and variables, such as price, intended use, features etc.?

In this article we will analyze the characteristics of polycrystalline diamond and carbide cutters, providing advice on when it is better to use one type over the other.

What is polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and why choose it?

PCD is a synthetic diamond sintered with a metallic binder produced for the first time in the 1800s. It wasn’t until the ‘40s that General Electric started producing them industrially. Now PCD is a versatile material that is widely used in woodworking thanks to the extreme hardness of its compact cubic crystal structure, which is ideal for milling,? sectioning and drilling.

PCD tools are very resistant and can last way longer than other materials. Their low friction and excellent finishes are ideal for machining abrasive composite materials, such as chipboard, laminates, as well as on:

• MDF/HDF;
• phenolic;
• fiberglass;
• carbon fiber;
• PVC;
• Corian;
• HPL.

The help of a manufacturer is necessary to choose the ideal tool based on the intended uses and the machining expectations. By doing so, you can optimize both the performance and the cost.?

What is carbide (HW) and why choose it?

Hard Metal, also known as Widia, was developed for the first time in the 1920s and later produced in the U.S. by General Electric under the name Carboloy. It is a cermet material (typically tungsten carbide) embedded in a metal matrix (often cobalt) mainly used for its hardness, wear resistance and crack propagation resistance.?

Thanks to their resistance to wear and high temperatures, these tools are recommended for machining materials with a high chip discharge, such as hardwoods. Moreover, since their cutting edge deteriorates early in use, they can be used in operations that involve different materials and where a high-quality finish is not important.

PCD vs. HW tools: costs and benefits

Understanding the detailed characteristics of tools, the intended use and the user needs is vital for informed decisions and minimizing errors. These are the key elements that you should keep in mind while choosing PCD or carbide tools:?

1. Cutting life: diamond tools last 50 times longer than carbide tools.
2. Cutting quality: both offer excellent initial cutting quality, but carbide deteriorates early, while diamond remains sharp until the first sharpening. However, PCD tools may not be suitable for companies frequently machining different materials, making a tailored cost-benefit analysis crucial.
3. Re-sharpening: carbide tools require more frequent re-sharpening, leading to more machine downtime and higher replacement needs.
4. Cost: even though the initial investment is higher, PCD tools are more cost-effective in the long run thanks to a longer lifespan and better performance, potentially reducing their overall cost by 30-50%.?

Consulting with a professional tool manufacturer can help achieve the best balance between various machining parameters.?

If you are looking for an experienced company that has highly invested in innovative technologies to produce high-quality PCD and carbide tools, do not hesitate to contact Wirutex hi-tech tools. Its product line includes router bits, boring bits, cutters with bores, saw blades, and hoggers.

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