When do you choose carbide with or without coolant holes?
Carbide is an essential material in the machining industry. It is widely used in the manufacture of cutting tools, such as end mills and drills. There is an important difference within this segment: carbide with coolant holes and carbide without coolant holes. This difference has a direct impact on the performance, service life and reliability of the tool. In this blog, you can read about what coolant holes in carbide are exactly, why they are used and when you should or should not opt for them. This will help you make a more informed choice for your application. Read more about our range of carbide rods here.
What are coolant holes in carbide tools?
Coolant holes are internal holes that are formed during the production of carbide rods. These holes allow coolant to be directed straight to the cutting edge of the tool. Instead of external cooling, where coolant is applied from the outside, cooling takes place from the inside. This has a significant impact. Heat is dissipated more efficiently, chips are removed more effectively and the cutting process remains more stable. This makes a clear difference in terms of accuracy and tool life, especially at high cutting speeds or during prolonged machining operations.
Why are coolant holes used in carbide?
Coolant holes are used to enable internal cooling. Machining generates a lot of heat, especially when working with hard or tough materials. If this heat is not adequately dissipated, it can lead to faster wear, dimensional errors or even tool breakage. Internal cooling is particularly crucial for deep drilling, where external cooling does not reach the cutting edge effectively. Coolant holes also ensure greater process reliability when machining difficult-to-machine materials, such as heat-resistant alloys or stainless steel. The temperature remains more controllable and the tool performs more consistently.
When should you choose carbide with coolant holes?
You should choose carbide with coolant holes when the final tool requires internal cooling to function optimally. In most cases, this applies to machining operations with high cutting speeds. Examples include deep drilling or complex milling operations. Carbide with coolant holes is also often chosen for applications where heat control and chip removal are essential.
Advantages of carbide rods with coolant holes
Carbide rods with coolant holes offer several advantages over variants without internal cooling. An important advantage is the targeted cooling of the cutting edge. Because the coolant is applied exactly where it is needed, the temperature of the tool remains better under control. In addition, efficient cooling reduces thermal stress, which means the tool wears less quickly. This extends the service life and reduces the risk of unexpected failure. Higher cutting speeds are also possible, which increases productivity. Finally, better chip removal contributes to a more stable and predictable machining process.
What should you consider when choosing carbide with or without coolant holes?
The choice between carbide with or without coolant holes depends largely on the application. For deep drilling or intensive machining, carbide with coolant holes is usually the best option. Internal cooling prevents heat build-up and supports a reliable process, especially with long cutting lengths.
Carbide without coolant holes is often sufficient for superficial machining operations, where external cooling reaches the cutting edge effectively. For less heat-sensitive materials or simple machining operations, a solid carbide rod without coolant holes can also be an excellent and cost-effective choice. Ultimately, it is a question of balancing performance requirements and application.
GSE Carbide: leading specialist in customised carbide solutions
GSE Carbide specialises in customised carbide solutions. With over 20 years of experience, we offer a wide and comprehensive range of carbide rods, both with and without coolant holes. We deliver throughout Europe and support customers in a variety of sectors. Our range includes the Superior and Essence lines. Each line has its own characteristics and areas of application. In addition, we grind carbide rods into tool blanks, so that they are immediately ready for further processing.