Which is Better for Tipping Your tools? Diamond or Carbide?

Have you ever wondered why tools such as circular saw blades are tipped? The answer is simple: to increase their durability and performance. Tipping a tool involves adding a hard and wear-resistant material to the cutting edge, which allows it to last longer and cut more effectively.

Some materials can only be cut with tipped cutting tools. This is because certain materials are very hard and abrasive, which can quickly wear out traditional cutting tool materials. For example, materials like concrete, stone, and ceramics require tipped cutting tools like diamond-tipped blades or carbide-tipped drill bits to effectively cut through them. These tipped cutting tools are made with hard and wear-resistant materials that can withstand the extreme conditions of cutting through these tough materials.

Tool-tipping is an issue that can have a significant impact on the performance and lifespan of your tools. However, it is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. If you are a business to business company looking to optimize your manufacturing processes, our team of experts can help you navigate this complex issue and ensure that your tools are properly maintained and serviced. Contact us today to learn more.

Why use TCT saw blades and tools? (carbide tipped)

Carbide saw blades have revolutionized the world of cutting materials since their introduction to this tool type in the early 1950s. Originally developed for use in the woodworking industry, these blades quickly gained popularity due to their exceptional durability and cutting precision. Today, carbide saw blades are widely used in various industries, including construction, metalworking, and even in DIY projects. Thanks to their ability to effortlessly cut through a wide range of materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, and even concrete, these blades have become a staple tool for professionals and hobbyists alike. 

Here are five advantages of using TCT saw blades and tools:

1. Lower Cost: Carbide-tipped tools are generally less expensive than diamond-tipped tools, making them a more cost-effective option for many applications, especially in less abrasive materils where carbide can still effectivley cut sener materials.

2. Greater Toughness: Carbide is a tough and durable material in comparison to diamond that can withstand impacts and shock better than diamond. This makes carbide-tipped tools more suitable for cutting through materials with irregular surfaces, densities or that are prone to chipping. Although diamond toling is signifacntly harder and shaprner, it does get worn down at a much faster rate from impacts and therefore runs a higher risk of tool damage.

3. Greater Flexibility: Carbide-tipped tools are more flexible than diamond-tipped tools, making them suitable for cutting through a wider range of materials, including metals, plastics, and wood. This means in some cases, the same tool can be used for a variety of different materialsand applciations, saving massive tooling costs in the process.

4. Easier Maintenance: Carbide-tipped tools are easier to maintain than diamond-tipped tools. They can be sharpened and repaired more easily using conventional grinding machines equipped with diamond grinding wheels. Additonally, carbide saw blade sharpening services are cheaper then diamond saw blade sharpening as diamond blades must undergo a complciated errosion method using electricity and oils to sharpen the tools.

5. Better Performance in Certain Applications: Carbide-tipped tools are better suited for certain applications than diamond-tipped tools. For example, carbide-tipped drills are better suited for drilling through steel and other metals, while diamond-tipped drills are better suited for drilling through hard and abrasive materials like ceramics and composites.

What about PCD saw blades and tools? (diamond saw blades):

Diamond saw blades, also known as Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) saw blades, have a rich history that dates back to the late 1970s. These cutting tools were initially developed as a solution to the challenges faced by traditional carbide saw blades when cutting through abrasive and hard materials. With the introduction of diamond-tipped blades, a new era of cutting efficiency and durability began.

The first application of PCD saw blades was in the construction industry, where they were used to cut through tough materials like concrete, stone, and ceramics. Over time, their exceptional performance and longevity led to their adoption in other industries, including woodworking, metalworking, and even the aerospace industry. Today, diamond saw blades are renowned for their ability to effortlessly cut through the toughest materials, making them a go-to tool for professionals seeking precision and reliability. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating history of diamond saw blades, their common applications, and the materials they excel at cutting.

After this wide spread adoption, tooling manufacturers began to utilise diamond PCD coating on a varity of other applications, most notably with blades adn router cutters.

Here are five advantages of using diamond-tipped tools over carbide-tipped tools:

1. Higher Hardness: Diamond is one of the hardest materials on the planet, making it ideal for cutting through hard and abrasive materials that carbide cannot. Diamond-tipped tools have the potential to cut through materials like glass, ceramics, and composites with ease.

2. Longer Tool Life: Diamond-tipped tools have a longer lifespan than carbide-tipped tools because diamond is more wear-resistant. This means that diamond-tipped tools require less frequent replacement, reducing downtime, increasing productivity therefore reducing overall tooling costs. With some of our diamond tooling, we can expact 5 times the life expectancy comapred with a carbide ipped version.

3. Better Surface Finish: Diamond-tipped tools are considered to produce a better surface finish than carbide-tipped tools. This is because diamond leaves a smoother surface finish, reducing the need for additional finishing processes. For large maufactuers, especially within the furniture market this can heavily reduce lead times from having to re seand and re paint the product over and over again.

4. Higher Cutting Speeds: Diamond-tipped tools can cut at higher speeds than carbide-tipped tools, reducing cutting times and increasing productivity.

5. Lower Friction and Heat Generation: Diamond-tipped tools typically generate less friction and heat than carbide-tipped tools, reducing the risk of tool damage and improving the accuracy of the cut. This also befits health and saftey as it signifactly reduce the risk of fire, or of burnouts on the workpiece.

Case study: diamond or carbide tipped through hole drills:

Diamond through hole drills, also known as diamond core drills, are renowned for their exceptional cutting speed and longevity. They are specifically designed for drilling into hard and abrasive materials such as concrete, stone, and ceramics. The diamond-tipped drill bits have a high resistance to wear and can maintain their sharpness even after prolonged use. This makes diamond through hole drills ideal for heavy-duty applications where durability and speed are paramount.

On the other hand, carbide through hole drills are known for their versatility and cost-effectiveness. Carbide is a durable and robust material that can withstand high temperatures and maintain its cutting edge for extended periods. Carbide drills are commonly used for drilling through materials like wood, metal, plastic, and composites. They offer a good balance between performance and affordability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

In summary, if you are working with hard and abrasive materials, diamond through hole drills provide superior performance and longevity. However, if you require versatility and cost-effectiveness for drilling various materials, carbide through hole drills are a reliable choice. It is important to consider the specific requirements of your project to determine which type of drill will provide the best performance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both PCD and TCT tooling have their own unique advantages and applications in the machining industry. PCD tooling is ideal for high-speed and high-precision machining of non-ferrous materials, offering exceptional wear resistance and extended tool life. On the other hand, TCT tooling is more versatile and cost-effective, suitable for a wide range of materials including ferrous metals, wood, and composites. Ultimately, the choice between PCD and TCT tooling depends on the specific machining requirements and the material being worked on. By understanding the differences and benefits of each tooling option, manufacturers can make informed decisions to optimize their machining processes and achieve superior results.