3 Ways PCD Tools Outperform Carbide Tools

While carbide tools are strong, resilient, and effective, you might get better results if you switch to using polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools. PCD outperforms carbide in a few different ways. What are they? 

1. Longer Life

While carbide tools are built to last, they start to wear down as soon as you start using them. As time passes, a carbide tool will lose some of its original cutting edge and strength. At this stage, the tool will still work; however, you might need to sharpen it to restore some of its initial efficiency. After a few sharpening processes, the tool will deteriorate to such an extent that you need to replace it.

PCD has a longer working life than carbide. This diamond mix is more resilient, so it doesn't suffer from wear as fast. So, you can expect your tools to last longer before you need to sharpen them. PCD can also go through more sharpening iterations than carbide, so your tools will have a longer working life before you have to replace them.

2. Consistent Quality

If you are working on batch processes, then you need your tools to work in exactly the same way from the start of the run to the end. For example, you might need consistently shaped cuts or a certain quality of finish.

If you use carbide tools on a repeat batch process, then you won't necessarily see consistent results. As a tool wears, it loses some of its cutting edge. So, it might make clean and smooth cuts at the start of the process; however, its later cuts might be rough and uneven. Plus, your working speed might slow down as you use a carbide tool. It might take more time to get the results you need if the tool has lost some sharpness or heats up because you are working it harder than normal.

PCD tools typically give more consistent results. They won't lose their sharpness or suffer from heat problems even if you work fast through a large batch process. The results you get at the end should be the same as those you got at the start.

3. Reduced Downtime

While you can sharpen carbide tools to restore their cutting edges, this process costs you time. If you have to stop production to sharpen a tool, then your jobs will take longer. You can use PCD tools for longer periods before they need sharpening. So, you'll have less downtime and fewer job delays.

To learn more, contact your tools supplier and ask about their PCD tools.