How To Make Your Carbide Inserts Last Much Longer

Carbide inserts are integrated in various machining bits to make the bits stronger for machining steel and other tough or thick metals. Without the inserts, the machining bits would wear out faster and possibly break or splinter. Even with the carbide inserts, the bits may only last so long. There are ways, however, to make the bits last longer. 

Coating the Inserts and Bits

Coating the inserts and bits extends the life of both the inserts and the bits. There are four coatings that you can request, and each coating has its own unique properties. 

Here are your coating options:

• TiN: Titanium Nitride is a derivative of titanium mixed with nitrous oxide. Titanium alone is very strong and durable, but combining it with nitride reinforces the titanium molecules while providing it with the means to expand and contract without fracturing when the TiN-coated bit is exposed to intense heat and friction. 
• TiC: Titanium Carbide reinforces the carbide of the carbide inserts while increasing strength and durability with the titanium. It is an optimal option for machining softer or thinner metals where the inserts just need a little extra protection against chipping and splintering. 
• Ti(C)N: Titanium Carbide-Nitride is a combination of the above coatings. The unique and preferred properties of TiC and TiN are melded into one coating to deliver an even stronger and more resilient protective coating to your carbide inserts and machining bits. 
• TiAIN: The addition of aluminum to TiN helps disperse heat molecules and keep the insert and machining a bit cooler. When the bits and inserts are cooler, they are less likely to melt and fracture under pressure and friction, allowing you to use them longer and without damage to the bits or inserts. 

There may be a few other coating options, depending on the manufacturer of the inserts and/or machining bits. Talk to manufacturers to see what they use, if anything, and what they would recommend based on the kinds of machining tasks your factory handles. 

Life Expectancy for Coated Inserts

The life expectancy for coated inserts is based on how the inserts and machining bits are used, the frequency with which they are used, and the speed/revolutions with which the bits and carbide inserts are used. At any rate, you can still expect a coated insert to last at least twice as long as an uncoated insert, or very near to that. Ergo, coating is worth the extra cost to save you the expense of constantly replacing the inserts and machining bits. 

For further questions regarding carbide coating or just carbide inserts, contact a professional like Olson Carbide.