HSS versus VHM: The key to efficient production

The comparison of HSS (high speed steel) tools and Solid carbide tools (VHM) is based on various factors such as material hardness, cutting performance, wear resistance, costs and areas of application. Here is a detailed list of the advantages and disadvantages of both types of tools:

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HSS (high speed steel)

advantages:

• Cost-effective: HSS tools are generally cheaper to buy than solid carbide tools.
• Toughness: HSS tools are tougher and more resistant to impacts and breaks when cutting, making them suitable for interrupted cuts and difficult working conditions.
• Workability: Easier to sharpen and shape than solid carbide tools, which increases flexibility for special applications.
• Good performance at lower speeds: Ideal for applications with lower cutting speeds

Disadvantages:

• Lower wear resistance: HSS tools have lower wear resistance, which results in faster wear, particularly at high cutting speeds.
• Lower cutting speeds: Not suitable for very high cutting speeds, which are required when processing hard or abrasive materials.
• Heat resistance: Lower heat resistance compared to solid carbide, which limits performance at high temperatures.

solid carbide (VHM)

advantages:

• High wear resistance: Solid carbide tools offer excellent wear resistance, which results in a longer tool life.
• High cutting speeds: They enable higher cutting speeds, which reduces processing time and increases productivity.
• Good heat resistance: VHM tools withstand high temperatures better, which makes them ideal for processing hard and abrasive materials.
• Precision: They offer higher precision and are able to maintain tight tolerances.

Disadvantages:

• costs: Solid carbide tools are more expensive to buy than HSS tools.
• Toughness: They are less tough than HSS tools, which makes them more susceptible to breakage during intermittent or interrupted cuts.
• More difficult editing: More difficult to sharpen and shape, which limits flexibility for specialized applications With today's CNC technology, this disadvantage is barely significant anymore.

synopsis

The choice between HSS and solid carbide tools depends heavily on the specific application. HSS tools offer a cost-effective solution for applications that require higher toughness and where cutting speeds are not extremely fast. Solid carbide tools, on the other hand, are suitable for applications that require high cutting speeds, wear resistance and precision, but at higher costs and with lower toughness.

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