High-speed steel milling cutters are also known as white steel cutters, while tungsten steel milling cutters are also known as carbide cutters. So, what are the differences between high-speed steel milling cutters and tungsten steel milling cutters in terms of material, structure, and performance? In which processing situations should high-speed steel milling cutters be used, and in which situations should tungsten steel milling cutters be used?
1.Differences Between High-Speed Steel Milling Cutters and Tungsten Steel Milling Cutters
- Material Differences: High-speed steel milling cutters are made from high-speed steel rods, usually M42 material, which has a low vanadium content (1%) and a high cobalt content (8%). Tungsten steel cutters, on the other hand, are made from tungsten steel (carbide, also known as tungsten-titanium alloy).
- Performance Differences: High-speed steel tools have a normal temperature hardness of 62-70 HRC, while tungsten steel tools have a normal temperature hardness of 89.5-92.5 HRC. The surface heat resistance of tungsten steel tools can reach 1000°C. The cutting speed of tungsten steel tools can be 50%-100% higher than that of white steel tools, and their durability can be 2-10 times higher. Compared to white steel tools, tungsten steel tools are more suitable for high-speed, high-efficiency, and high-temperature processing. Tungsten steel products have high melting points, high hardness, high elastic modulus, good chemical stability, and good thermal stability. Their hardness, wear resistance, and heat resistance are far superior to white steel tools.
- 2.When to Use High-Speed Steel Milling Cutters and Tungsten Steel Milling Cutters
- Not all processing situations require the use of tungsten steel milling cutters. Depending on the processing technology and cost control, various types of tools can be flexibly used. When the processing hardness is low, the precision requirements are not high, low-end machine tools are used, the product quantity is small, and the profit is low, high-speed steel tools can be used. Even for some difficult-to-process materials, high-speed steel products can be competent, although their cutting speed, wear resistance, and durability are not outstanding. In most cases, especially for high-speed, high-efficiency, and large-scale processing, tungsten steel tools, or even ceramic and diamond tools, are more needed. The high cost of a single tool does not necessarily mean high processing costs. In many cases, using "expensive" imported tools can result in lower processing costs than using domestic high-speed steel tools.
