Tungsten Carbide Bits Vs. High Speed Steel Bits

Details: Category: Tungsten Information; Published on Friday, 24 October 2014 16:49; Written by xjq; Hits: 464

Numerous types of drill bits exist, including tungsten carbide and high speed steel. The differences between tungsten carbide bits and high-speed steel bits lie in the qualities of their materials.

Tungsten Carbide Bits

Various types of tungsten carbide bits exist, including those comprised completely of tungsten carbide and those with tungsten carbide tips.

High Speed Steel Bits

High Speed Steel drill bits contain an especially hard and durable type of steel. Thus, HSS bits last for longer than those made from materials such as carbon steel and stainless steel.

Qualities

Tungsten carbide bits exhibit resistance to high temperatures than HSS bits, especially important in drills that rotate at extremely high speeds and generate great heat. Tungsten carbide bits can safely run two to three times faster than HSS bits. However, tungsten carbide bits are more brittle than HSS bits.

Applications

The qualities of drill bits help determine their application. The high-speed ability of tungsten carbide bits makes them suited to time-sensitive operations such as industrial drilling. The relatively high cost of these bits may put them out of the price range of casual tool owners. High speed steel bits work well with other metals as well as wood and plastics. Tungsten carbide bits work well with plastic, metal or wood, though manufacturers usually design the hardness of these bits for a specific application.