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50 kinds of materials with what cutting tool processing, confused? Bookmark this article, no longer confused
In modern manufacturing, choosing the right tool is key to ensuring product quality and productivity. However, even “industry veterans” are often at a loss when faced with a wide range of materials and machining requirements. To solve this problem, we’ve put together a guide to machining tools for 50 common materials.
01 Suitable cutting tools for different metal materials
-1. Aluminum alloys
Aluminum alloy is an alloy formed by taking aluminum as the main component and adding other elements (such as copper, magnesium, silicon, zinc, manganese, etc.). Due to its excellent performance, it is widely used in many fields such as aviation, automotive, construction, packaging and so on.
Material characteristics: lightweight, high strength, corrosion resistance, good processability, good electrical and thermal conductivity.
Recommended tools: high-speed steel (HSS) tools, tungsten steel (carbide)cutting tools, coated tools, and diamond coated (PCD) tools.
-2. Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a steel alloy containing not less than 10.5% chromium and is highly resistant to corrosion. It is widely used in construction, medical equipment, kitchen utensils and chemical equipment.
Material characteristics: corrosion resistance, heat resistance, high mechanical strength, good toughness, good welding performance.
Recommended tools: Carbide cutting tools, preferably coated tools (e.g. TiN, TiCN).
-3. Titanium alloys
Titanium alloys are alloys composed of titanium and other elements (e.g., aluminum, vanadium) and are widely used in the aerospace, medical and chemical industries because of their high strength, light weight and excellent corrosion resistance.
Material characteristics: high strength, low density, corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, low modulus of elasticity.
Recommended tools: Special titanium machining tools such as ceramic or tungsten carbide cutting tools.
-4. Cemented carbide
Cemented carbide is a composite material made of tungsten carbide combined with cobalt, with extremely high hardness and wear resistance, widely used in cutting tools and abrasives.
Material characteristics: high hardness, high strength, wear resistance, good heat resistance, strong resistance to deformation.
Recommended tools: PCD (polycrystalline diamond) or CBN (cubic boron nitride) tools.
-5. Brass
Brass is an alloy composed of copper and zinc and is widely used in electrical, plumbing and musical instrument manufacturing due to its excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
Material characteristics: good machinability, corrosion resistance, good electrical and thermal conductivity, resistance to wear.
Recommended tools: High-speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (carbide) cutting tools, which can be coated to improve wear resistance.
-6. Nickel-based alloys
Nickel-based alloys are high-performance alloys made of nickel with the addition of chromium, molybdenum and other elements, which have excellent high temperature and corrosion resistance, and are commonly used in aviation, aerospace and chemical fields.
Material characteristics: high strength, high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, good thermal stability.
Recommended tools: Carbide cutting tools, coated (e.g. TiAlN) to resist high temperatures and wear.
-7. Copper
Copper is a metal with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, widely used in electrical, construction and heat exchangers.
Material characteristics: good electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, easy machining, antimicrobial properties.
Recommended tools: High-speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (carbide) cutting tools to ensure clean cutting.
-8. Cast iron
Cast iron is a kind of iron alloy with high carbon content, with excellent casting performance and vibration damping performance, widely used in machinery manufacturing, automobile and construction fields.
Material characteristics: high hardness, good casting properties, good vibration damping properties, wear resistance, brittleness.
Recommended tools: Carbide cutting tools, usually uncoated or coated with TiCN.
-9. Superalloys
Superalloys are a class of materials with high-temperature strength and excellent oxidation resistance, widely used in the aerospace and energy industries.
Material characteristics: high high temperature strength, oxidation resistance, creep resistance and corrosion resistance.
Recommended tools: CBN (cubic boron nitride) or ceramic tools are suitable for handling this high temperature alloy.
-10. Heat-treated steel
Heat-treated steel is quenched and tempered to provide high hardness and strength, and is commonly used in tool and mold making.
Material characteristics: high hardness, high strength, wear and heat resistance.
Recommended tools: Carbide tools or coated tools (e.g. TiAlN), resistant to high temperatures and high wear.
-11. Aluminum-magnesium alloys
Aluminum-magnesium alloys are based on aluminum with magnesium added to improve strength and corrosion resistance, and are widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Material characteristics: lightweight, high strength, corrosion resistance, good machinability.
Recommended tools: tungsten steel (carbide) or high-speed steel (HSS) tools, commonly used coatings such as TiCN.
-12. Magnesium alloys
Magnesium alloys are magnesium-based alloys with light weight and good mechanical properties, commonly used in aerospace and electronics.
Material characteristics: light weight, good machinability, good thermal conductivity, flammable.
Recommended tools: tungsten steel (tungsten carbide) or high-speed steel (HSS) cutting tools, the low melting point and flammability of the material need to be considered.
-13. Zinc alloy
Zinc alloy is made from zinc with other elements (e.g. aluminum, copper) and is widely used for die-casting parts and decorations.
Material characteristics: easy casting, low melting point, good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
Recommended tools: High-speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (tungsten carbide) cutting tools to ensure cutting effect and surface quality.
-14. Pure titanium
Pure titanium has a wide range of applications in aerospace, medical and chemical fields due to its high strength, low density and good corrosion resistance.
Material characteristics: high strength, low density, corrosion resistance, good biocompatibility.
Recommended tools: specially designed carbide cutting tools or ceramic tools that need to be wear resistant and prevent adhesion.
-15. Nickel-titanium alloy (Nitinol)
Nitinol is an alloy with memory effect and superelasticity, widely used in medical devices and the aerospace field.
Material characteristics: memory effect, superelasticity, high corrosion resistance, good biocompatibility.
Recommended tools: Carbide cutting tools, high wear resistance, and high temperature performance are required.
-16. Magnesium-aluminum alloys
Magnesium-aluminum alloy combines the advantages of magnesium and aluminum, with light weight and high strength, widely used in aerospace and automotive industries.
Material characteristics: light weight, high strength, corrosion resistance, good machinability, flammability.
Recommended tools: High-speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (carbide)cutting tools, taking into account the flammability of the material.
-17. Ultra-high hardness steel
Ultra-high hardness steel is specially treated to have extremely high hardness and wear resistance and is commonly used in mold and tool making.
Material Characteristics: Extremely high hardness, high strength, wear resistance, high temperature resistance.
Recommended tools: CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) or ceramic tools for high hardness material processing.
-18. Gold alloys
Gold alloy is made of gold mixed with other metal elements (such as silver, copper), widely used in jewelry, electronics and medical devices.
Material characteristics: excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, high ductility, oxidation resistance.
Recommended tools: High-speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (carbide) cutting tools to ensure precision and finish in the cutting process.
-19. Silver alloys
Silver alloys are made of silver mixed with other metal elements (such as copper and zinc) and are widely used in electrical contact parts, jewelry and coins.
Material characteristics: excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, high ductility.
Recommended tools: High-speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (carbide) tools, need to be sharp and durable.
-20. Chromium-molybdenum steel
Chromium-molybdenum steel is a high-strength low alloy steel containing chromium and molybdenum elements, which is widely used in pressure vessels, petrochemical equipment and mechanical components.
Material characteristics: high strength, good toughness, wear resistance, high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance.
Recommended tools: carbide cutting tools, suitable for high strength alloy steel processing.
-21. Tungsten steel
Tungsten steel is a kind of hard alloy made of tungsten carbide and cobalt, with extremely high hardness and wear resistance, widely used in the manufacture of cutting tools and abrasives.
Material Characteristics: Extremely high hardness, wear resistance, high temperature resistance, and deformation resistance.
Recommended tools: CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) or diamond (PCD) tools, suitable for handling high hardness materials.
-22. Tungsten-cobalt alloys
Tungsten-cobalt alloy is a kind of hard alloy containing tungsten and cobalt, with high strength and wear resistance, commonly used in cutting and grinding tools.
Material characteristics: high strength, wear resistance, good heat resistance, and high impact resistance.
Recommended tools: tungsten carbide tools, wear-resistant and high strength.
-23. Beryllium-copper alloys
Beryllium copper alloy consists of copper and beryllium, with excellent mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, widely used in the manufacture of springs, contact parts and tools.
Material characteristics: high strength, high hardness, good electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, non-magnetic.
Recommended tools: High-speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (carbide) cutting tools to ensure machining accuracy and surface finish.
-24. High-temperature alloys (Inconel)
Inconel is a nickel-chromium based high temperature alloy with extremely high temperature and corrosion resistance, widely used in aerospace and chemical equipment.
Material characteristics: high strength, high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, good thermal stability.
Recommended tools: Carbide cutting tools or ceramic tools, coating treatment (e.g. TiAlN) to resist high temperatures.
-25. High-chrome cast iron
High chrome cast iron is a kind of cast iron containing high chromium element, with excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance, commonly used in abrasive tools and wear-resistant parts.
Material characteristics: high hardness, high wear resistance, good corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance.
Recommended tools: Carbide cutting tools or CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) tools for high hardness cast iron materials.
-26. High-manganese steel
High manganese steel is a kind of steel with high wear resistance and high impact strength, widely used in mining machinery and railroad equipment.
Material characteristics: high wear resistance, high strength, good impact resistance, wear hardening.
Recommended tools: carbide cutting tools, wear-resistant and high strength.
-27. Molybdenum alloys
Molybdenum alloys contain the element molybdenum, have high strength and high hardness, and are commonly used as structural materials in high-temperature and high-strength environments.
Material characteristics: high strength, high hardness, good high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance.
Recommended tools: Carbide cutting tools, suitable for high strength and high hardness alloy materials.
-28. Carbon steel
Carbon steel is a steel with a carbon content between 0.02% and 2.11%. Its properties vary according to the carbon content, and it is commonly used in construction, bridges, vehicle and ship building.
Material characteristics: high strength, good toughness and plasticity, inexpensive, easy to weld and heat treat.
Recommended tools: High speed steel (HSS) or carbide cutting tools for common carbon steel machining.
-29. Low-alloy steel
Low-alloy steels are steels whose properties are enhanced by the addition of small amounts of alloying elements (e.g. chromium, nickel, molybdenum), and are widely used in mechanical engineering and structural engineering.
Material characteristics: high strength, good toughness, wear resistance, easy machining.
Recommended tools: High-speed steel (HSS) or carbide cutting tools for general machining.
-30. High-strength steel
High-strength steels are heat-treated or alloying elements are added to obtain high strength and hardness, and are commonly used in the automotive industry and construction engineering.
Material characteristics: high strength, high hardness, wear resistance, good toughness.
Recommended tools: Carbide cutting tools, wear-resistant and high strength.
02 Suitable cutting tools for different non-metallic materials
-1. Plastics and composites
Plastics and composites are used in a wide variety of industrial applications, including automotive, aerospace and consumer products.
Material characteristics: lightweight, easy to mold, corrosion resistance, good insulation, designability.
Recommended tooling: High speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (carbide)cutting tools, specialized design to minimize burrs.cu
-2. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW)
UHMW is an engineering plastic with extremely high abrasion resistance and impact resistance, commonly used in mechanical components and conveying systems.
Material characteristics: extremely high wear resistance, low coefficient of friction, high impact strength, chemical resistance, excellent impact resistance.
Recommended tools: High-speed steel (HSS) or tungsten carbide (tungsten carbide) cutting tools, very sharp edges are required.
-3. Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP)
GFRP is a composite material used to enhance the mechanical properties of a plastic matrix by adding glass fibers to it, and is commonly used in the construction, automotive and marine industries.
Material characteristics: high strength, high modulus, light weight, corrosion resistance, good heat resistance.
Recommended tools: PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tools to reduce wear and improve cutting efficiency.
-4. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC is a general-purpose thermoplastic widely used in pipes, wire insulation and building materials.
Material characteristics: good chemical resistance, weather resistance, good electrical insulation, easy processing, low cost.
Recommended tool: High speed steel (HSS) tool, care should be taken to avoid overheating when cutting.
-5. Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS)
ABS is an engineering plastic with good comprehensive performance, commonly used in automotive parts, appliance shells and toys.
Material characteristics: high strength, good toughness, impact resistance, good heat resistance, easy molding and processing.
Recommended tools: High-speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (carbide) cutting tools to reduce heat and deformation.
-6. Polyoxymethylene (POM)
POM is an engineering plastic with excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance, commonly used in bearings, gears and automotive parts.
Material characteristics: high hardness, good wear resistance, good mechanical strength, good oil resistance.
Recommended tools: High speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (carbide) cutting tools to ensure smooth cutting.
-7. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
PTFE is a low coefficient of friction and excellent chemical resistance plastic commonly used in seals, lubricants and high temperature applications.
Material characteristics: low coefficient of friction, corrosion resistance, good insulation and high temperature resistance.
Recommended tooling: High speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (carbide) cutting tools to prevent sticking and overheating.
-8. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
PEEK is an engineering plastic with very high heat and chemical resistance, commonly used in aerospace, medical and automotive applications.
Material characteristics: very high heat resistance, good chemical resistance, excellent mechanical properties.
Recommended tools: Carbide or coated cutting tools for high temperature and high strength plastics.
-9. Polyethylene (PE)
PE is a common plastic with good chemical resistance and low density, widely used in packaging, pipes and containers.
Material characteristics: low density, good chemical resistance, good electrical insulation, good abrasion resistance.
Recommended tools: High speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (carbide) cutting tools to prevent heat buildup and deformation.
-10. Polystyrene (PS)
PS is a common plastic with good transparency and electrical insulation, commonly used in packaging, electronic products and modeling.
Material characteristics: transparent, moderate hardness, good electrical insulation.
Recommended tools: High-speed steel (HSS) or tungsten steel (carbide) cutting tools, care should be taken to prevent heat buildup and material deformation.
03 Cutting tools for other materials
-1. Wood
Wood is a common building and manufacturing material with good workability and strength properties.
Material characteristics: good machinability, moderate strength, water absorption.
Recommended tools: HSS or tungsten carbide cutting tools for general machining of wood.
-2. Graphite
Graphite is a material with good electrical and thermal conductivity, often used to make electrodes and lubricating materials.
Material characteristics: low coefficient of friction, high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity.
Recommended tools: Diamond (PCD) tools to prevent wear and improve machining accuracy.
-3. Ceramics
Ceramic is a brittle material with excellent resistance to high temperature and corrosion, and is commonly used to make ceramic ware and industrial components.
Material characteristics: high hardness, good abrasion resistance, good insulation.
Recommended tools: Diamond (PCD) or specially designed carbide cutting tools for precision machining of ceramics.
-4. Quartz glass
Quartz glass has good optical properties and chemical stability, commonly used in optical devices and laboratory instruments.
Material characteristics: high hardness, high transparency, good chemical stability.
Recommended tool: Diamond (PCD) tool to prevent shattering and improve cutting accuracy.
-5. Natural rubber
Natural rubber has good elasticity and abrasion resistance and is commonly used to make seals and rubber products.
Material characteristics: good elasticity, good abrasion resistance, good corrosion resistance.
Recommended tools: High speed steel tools to ensure sharpness and durability, suitable for natural rubber processing.
-6. Silicon
Silicon is a common semiconductor material with excellent electrical properties, commonly used in electronic devices and solar cells.
Material characteristics: high hardness, good electrical conductivity, good chemical stability.
Recommended tools: Diamond (PCD) tools for fine machining of silicon.
-7. Ultra-fine crystalline cemented carbide
Ultra-fine crystalline cemented carbide is a kind of Cemented Carbide with nano-sized grain structure, which has extremely high hardness and wear resistance.
Material Characteristics: Extremely high hardness, good wear resistance, good high temperature resistance.
Recommended tools: CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) or ceramic tools for ultra-high hardness material machining.
-8. Cork
Cork is a lightweight natural material with good thermal insulation and elasticity, commonly used in construction and handicraft production.
Material characteristics: lightweight, soft, good sound absorption and heat insulation.
Recommended tool: High speed steel tool to ensure smooth and precise cutting.
-9. Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP)
FRP is a composite material composed of glass fiber and resin, with good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
Material characteristics: high strength, light weight, good corrosion resistance, good insulation.
Recommended tools: PCD (polycrystalline diamond) or carbide cutting tools to reduce wear and improve cutting efficiency.
-10. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP)
CFRP is a composite material with high strength and lightweight properties, commonly used in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Material characteristics: high strength, light weight, good heat resistance.
Recommended tools: PCD (polycrystalline diamond) or tungsten carbide cutting tools, wear-resistant and sharp, suitable for machining CFRP.
Conclusion
From metals to non-metals and beyond, each material has its own unique characteristics and processing needs. That’s why it’s vital to have the right knowledge and skills to improve efficiency, ensure quality and reduce costs.
