Tungsten carbide tools generally produce a better finish on the part and allow faster machining. Tungsten carbide tools can also withstand higher temperatures than standard high speed steel tools.
Today, tungsten carbide tools have several key advantages for certain precision metal stamping operations requiring long life and high volume stamping runs. Carbide is harder than steel, is highly wear resistant, and can withstand very high compressive loading.
The material of tungsten carbide tools is usually called cemented carbide, hard metal or tungsten-carbide cobalt – it is a metal matrix composite where tungsten carbide particles are the aggregate and metallic cobalt serves as the matrix. By changing the amount of binder, the properties of tungsten carbide can be adjusted to obtain specific properties needed for various applications.
For example: increasing the amount of binder results in higher impact resistance, but less wear resistance. Conversely, decreasing the amount of binder results in higher hardness, but less fracture toughness. Hence, a proper understanding of the various grades of carbide can increase the chances of having a successfully designed carbide progressive die.
The selection of a carbide progressive die (over a steel die) is a consideration that should be made during the design stage of the component that is to be stamped. For applications requiring very high volumes, tungsten carbide tools may be a good selection. Examples of this would be applications such as: lamination for the rotors/stators in motors or for transformers, surgical components, bearings, electronic connector pins, and many other applications.
The benefits of using tungsten carbide tools for certain progressive die applications include: higher wear resistance, reduced die maintenance, and less downtime. Higher wear resistance results in longer running times between necessary maintenance for a carbide progressive die as compared to a steel progressive die.
Even though tungsten carbide tools still require preventive maintenance, the less frequent maintenance intervals oftentimes result in a lower life cycle (total) cost for certain precision stamped components.
One of tungsten carbide tools available for you in the market is Gerber 07505G Multi-Plier MP600 Bluntnose with Tungsten Carbide Inserts and Leather Sheath. This type of tungsten carbide tools is the right choice when brute force is required. With a one-handed plier opening, no handle rotation or gyrations are necessary. Just a flick of the wrist slides the plier jaws into the locked and ready position. The locking system is safe and easy to use, with components locking up against a solid bar of steel, rather than a spring.
This type of tungsten carbide tools features independent tool rotation, allowing access to the tool you want, without others following it out. Tools include blunt nose pliers, wire cutter, crimper, standard/metric scale, crosshead screwdriver, bottle/can opener, serrated sheep foot blade, file, drop point blade, lanyard ring, and small, medium, and large flathead screwdrivers.
Besides the carbide tool above, of course, you can still find many options of tungsten carbide tools out there, so you will surely find the one that fits in your needs and budget.
