When should you choose for coating carbide?
Carbide is widely used in cutting tools thanks to its high hardness and wear resistance. For many general machining operations, uncoated carbide is perfectly adequate. However, when you work with high cutting speeds, abrasive materials or when machining generates significant heat, the base material may wear down more quickly. In these situations, a coating provides extra protection against friction, heat and wear. This article explains when it makes sense to choose coated carbide.
What types of carbide are available at GSE Carbide?
Carbide is a composite material consisting of tungsten carbide and a binder such as cobalt. The cobalt content, grain size and hardness determine its performance in specific applications. At GSE Carbide, we have various types of carbide in stock, each with unique properties:
- GSE06: Based on 6% cobalt and a grain size of 1.0 µm (0.8 also available). This carbide grade is ideal for adding a diamond coating.
- GSE10: Based on 10% cobalt and a grain size of 0.8 µm. All-round grade suitable for various applications.
- GSE10F: Also based on 10% cobalt with a smaller grain size of 0.6 µm.
- GSE12: Based on 12% cobalt and available with a grain size of 0.4 µm or 0.6 µm.
The composition of our GSE06 ensures that the diamond coating adheres well to the carbide.
The reason for combining carbide with a coating
Although carbide already offers excellent mechanical properties on its own, it is not always sufficient for demanding applications. Adding a coating creates an optimized combination of properties specifically tailored for the machining application. This includes situations where wear, heat resistance or load are important. The coating strengthens the carbide and allows a tougher composition to be used effectively on very hard or abrasive materials. This creates a balance between toughness and hardness that would not be achievable without a coating. This principle applies to various coatings, but is particularly relevant to diamond coating, where the composition of the carbide is crucial for adhesion and overall performance.
Advantages of coated carbide
A coating on carbide can:
- Increase wear resistance
- Improve heat resistance
- Extend the service life of the tool
- Reduce friction and thus heat generation
- Enable higher cutting speeds
Better adhesion with finer grain
How well a coating adheres to carbide material largely depends on the overall material composition, including grain size. While coarse-grained carbide provides stronger mechanical bonding, fine-grained carbide often results in better adhesion. The fine grain structure creates a more uniform surface, which allows coatings to adhere better and evenly.
What types of coatings exist?
Diamond coating
Diamond coatings consist of a layer of synthetic diamond. These are extremely hard and wear-resistant, making them ideal for machining highly abrasive materials such as composites, graphite, aluminium and non-ferrous metals. The carbide rods based on GSE06 material are very suitable for adding a diamond coating.
The application of coating
Coatings for carbide are used in a wide range of sectors, including metalworking, aerospace, automotive and the medical sector. The choice of a specific coating largely depends on the material to be machined, the machining conditions and the desired performance. While there are general guidelines for using coatings in certain applications, it is important to emphasise that selecting the right coating requires specialist knowledge. For optimal results, it is advisable to consult a coating expert who can accurately assess the specific application and operating conditions.
Conclusion: When you should choose coating carbide
Carbide is naturally hard and wear-resistant, but in demanding applications, a coating can significantly enhance its performance. Coatings increase wear resistance, tool life, and thermal resistance, allowing the carbide to be optimally tailored to the application. The choice of coating depends on the material being machined, the desired tool life, cutting speed, and heat generation. The specialists at GSE Carbide are ready to advise you on the most suitable type of carbide for your application when coated. For specific coating options and to optimize performance under complex machining conditions, we recommend consulting a specialised coating partner.