Tungsten carbide saw tips are an extremely hard and durable material used on the cutting edges of saw blades

Overview of tungsten carbide saw tip

Tungsten carbide often referred to as carbide, is made by mixing tungsten powder and carbon at high temperatures. This produces an incredibly tough composite that is harder than most steels and maintains strength at high temperatures.

These properties make carbide an ideal material for cutting tools and saw tips. Carbide-tipped saw blades last much longer between sharpenings and can cut faster and smoother than steel blades.

Carbide tips are commonly brazed or welded onto the teeth of circular, chop, and other types of saws used to cut metal, masonry, concrete, wood, plastic, and more. They improve cutting performance and blade life significantly.

Composition

Tungsten carbide used for saw tips is a composite containing between 3-25% carbon compounds and the balance tungsten metal. It may also include small amounts of other carbides like tantalum, titanium, or niobium carbide.

The exact composition depends on the grade and application requirements:

• Higher carbon content increases hardness and wear resistance
• Higher tungsten content improves toughness

Common grades have 6-15% cobalt added as the metal binder that holds the composite together during sintering.

Properties

The key properties that make carbide superior for saw tips are:

• Extreme hardness – 89-93 on the Rockwell A scale, compared to 60-65 for tool steel
• Very high strength and toughness
• Excellent wear and abrasion resistance
• Resists deformation at high cutting temperatures
• Maintains a sharp cutting edge

These characteristics significantly improve cutting speed, reduce cutting forces, and increase blade life relative to other tip materials.

Carbide is also somewhat brittle however, so the blades may chip if subjected to sharp impacts. Proper use is important to maximize service life.

Applications and Uses

Tungsten carbide-tipped saw blades are used to cut virtually all types of materials including:

The extreme hardness of carbide allows fast, smooth cutting of very abrasive materials like concrete and cinder block which quickly wear down steel blades:

Common saw types utilizing carbide teeth include:

• Circular saws
• Masonry / tile saws
• Concrete cut-off saws
• Chop saws
• Cut-off machines
• Hole saws
• Band saws
• Reciprocating saws

Specifications of tungsten carbide saw tip

Tungsten carbide saw tips are produced in several grades and configurations to suit different applications:

Sizes

• Range from micrograin tips <0.5 mm to large teeth >25 mm
• Based on desired feed rate, cut quality, machine power

Grades

Brazing

• Carbide tips brazed with silver solder or nickel alloys
• Braze integrity critical for safety and performance

Connection Style

• Tips may be brazed flat or with + shaped ridges
• Raised inserts provide extra braze area

Tooth Geometry

• Alternate top bevel, double bevel, triple chip grinds
• Relief angles, rake angles, and tip shape designed for material type

Quality Standards

• ISO 513 – Classification and application of hard cutting materials
• ANSI B74.5 – Saw blades are classified by material, size, tooth geometry, and performance

Replacement tips cost more than steel but can last 10-100x longer. Carbide blades have much higher up front cost but save significantly over lifespan.

Cost Factors:

• Carbide grade and source material quality
• Size of saw blade
• Tooth count
• Complexity of grind/braze
• Quality control and tolerances

Ways To Save:

• Have old blades re-tipped vs new
• Buy blades without branding
• Purchase segmented kits for self-assembly
• Import direct from manufacturers

Online retailers like Amazon and woodworking outlets carry a selection of blades for end users. Building trade stores will stock common concrete, metal, and wood cutting blades.

Buying direct from manufacturers, joining regional distribution networks, or importing in quantity from Asia can provide significant cost savings but has higher risk.

Advantages of Tungsten Carbide Tips

Carbide tipped blades also produce less friction and smoother cutting action. This causes less binding, reduces gumming when cutting wood materials, and creates an overall superior cut finish

Disadvantages and Limitations

The manufacturing process requires extremely high temperature furnaces, extensive grinding and machining equipment, and consistent technical expertise. These factors drive up pricing but produce a longer lasting, more effective cutting surface.

Risk Mitigations:

• Adhere to operating guidelines
• Inspect for cracks frequently
• De-tension blades after use
• Use blade wash to keep core steel from rusting

With responsible precautions and care, tungsten carbide tipped saws provide superior productivity and value comparedCopy

Carbide vs Other Saw Tip Materials

Tungsten carbide has distinct advantages over other materials used to tip saw blades:

Carbide vs Steel

Carbide vs Ceramics

Carbide vs Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN)

Carbide vs Diamond

Industrial diamond tips are primarily used in niche applications like geological core sample drilling and precision glass cutting where maximizing tool life is paramount

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