Hard Metals VS Soft Metals For CNC Machining

DALIAN, China - March 3, 2024 - PRLog -- Hard Metals

1. Common Hard Metals:

Hard metals, also known as hard alloys or cemented carbides, often refer to materials like tungsten carbide, cobalt-chromium alloys, and tool steels.

2. Properties:

Hard metals exhibit high hardness, wear resistance, and strength. They are capable of withstanding high temperatures and are often used in applications where abrasion and wear are critical factors.

In CNC machining, cutting hard metals requires the use of larger diameter cutting tools, higher cutting speeds, and deeper cutting depths. Choosing the correct cutting parameters is crucial to prevent overheating and excessive wear.

3. Applications:

Cutting Tools: Hard metals are extensively used in the production of cutting tools, drills, end mills, and inserts due to their exceptional hardness and wear resistance.

Wear Parts: They are suitable for manufacturing wear parts in industries such as mining, machining, and oil and gas, where resistance to abrasion is crucial.

Tool and Die Making: Hard metals are preferred for tool and die applications where the tool needs to withstand repeated use and maintain its sharpness.

4. Challenges:

Machining hard metals can be challenging due to their hardness. Specialized cutting tools and machining techniques, such as high-speed machining and advanced tool coatings, are often required.

Soft Metals:

1. Common Soft Metals:

Soft metals typically refer to materials like aluminum, brass, copper, and certain grades of steel.

2. Properties:

Soft metals are characterized by their lower hardness and higher ductility. They are generally easier to machine and form, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

In CNC machining, smaller cutting depths, lower cutting speeds, and softer cutting tools are usually used for cutting soft metals. Accurate control of cutting temperature and cutting force is the key to ensuring machining quality.

3. Applications:

Automotive Components: Soft metals are commonly used in the automotive industry for components like brackets, housings, and heat exchangers.

Aerospace Parts: Aluminum alloys are frequently used in aerospace applications due to their lightweight nature.

Consumer Electronics: Soft metals are used in the production of parts for consumer electronics, such as aluminum casings for smartphones and laptops.

Prototyping: Soft metals are often chosen for rapid prototyping due to their ease of machining.
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