High Speed Steel Vs.

Carbide

High speed steel and Carbide have their place and uses. High speed steel is generally forgiving
for setups that not quite perfect and for interrupted cuts. High speed steel is cheaper than Carbide but
loses it sharpness quicker and cannot be used at the speeds that Carbide can, therefore a slower
production rate. Carbide generally is run at three times the rate of High speed steel. High speed steel is
tougher due to its nature as compared to Carbide thereby making it more forgiving to a non-optimum
setup. Carbide is best use in heavy machines, and CNC machines with a more rigid setup. Carbide was
engineered to use in machining harder and more exotic materials. Due to carbides nature it can be run
dry or with lubricant but does not like intermittent cooling. Due to its hardness high temperature
changes can cause the bit to shatter. High Speed Steel is cheaper than that of its Carbide counterpart.
Carbide has the advantage of being able to machine almost any material. Carbide can withstand higher
cutting temperatures than that of High speed steel. Carbide will also retain its edge longer.





http://www.hannibalcarbide.com/advantages/carbide-tipped.php
http://www.brighthubengineering.com/manufacturing-technology/49448-high-speed-steel-versus-
carbide-in-metal-cutting-why-hss-is-still-in-use/
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general-archive/carbide-v-s-hss-88871/
http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/mindworks/Machine_Design/Posters/PDF/Carbide%20vs%20High%2
0speed%20steel.pdf
http://www.tech.plym.ac.uk/sme/mfmt201/cuttingtoolmats.htm