Carbide milling inserts offer some marked advantages over solid carbide tools (and other cutting tools), while being practical for an equally wide range of applications. For instance, carbide milling inserts, like other solid carbide tools or like HSS mills, can be used for roughing, profiling, finishing, and more, yet they offer some unique and distinct material advantages when compared to other metal cutting tools. 

• Better hardness and wear resistance. This is specifically an advantage over metal cutting tools that are not made of carbide. Carbide offers higher hardness and wear resistance than other types of metal cutting tools and higher rigidity when compared to some other tools such as HSS. This can make carbide milling inserts more practical for machining workpieces of harder materials, and potentially deliver the ability to be run at higher speeds. 
• Longer overall tool life. Because carbide cutting tools exhibit higher hardness, when used for appropriate milling applications, and when properly cared for, they can last longer than other types of metal cutting tools. 
• Milling inserts can be replaced. Arguably the single greatest advantage of carbide milling inserts is that when the tool does start to wear, the insert can be replaced instead of replacing the entire tool. This also eliminates the need to have the tool sharpened since the insert can just be replaced. In some cases, the life of the insert can also be extended by rotating it instead of replacing the whole thing. Either way, the economy of carbide milling inserts can’t be matched by other metal cutting tools. Being able to replace the insert can also help reduce the overall costs of a wide range of machining applications.
• Carbide milling inserts often feature advanced coatings. Carbide cutting tools, including inserts, are often treated with specialized, advanced PVD (physical vapor deposition) and CVD (chemical vapor deposition) coatings that reduce friction, minimize thermal stresses, reduce oxidative stress, extending tool life and improving chip evacuation. 
• Potentially better performance at high temperatures. A carbide cutting tool with a heat-resistant coating will often perform better at higher temperatures (and speeds) than other types of metal cutting tools. This can make them more suitable for some types of machining applications than other tools. 
• They offer a great deal of versatility. Carbide milling inserts can be used for roughing, profiling, and more, and are often available in different chipbreaker geometries, grades, shapes and more, making them practical for numerous applications. 

The key features and advantages mentioned here are only a few of those associated with carbide milling inserts, but they paint a good preliminary picture nonetheless.

Where to Get Carbide Milling Inserts

Looking for a place where you can get new metal cutting tools such as carbide milling inserts as well as solid carbide mills? Visit TMT Toolbox; they carry reamers, drills, thread mills and dies, burrs, turning tools, and so much more. 

Check out their website and if you have questions about the different types of milling inserts before you buy, get in touch with them directly and they’ll be happy to help.

For more information about Machine Tool Accessories and Lathe Chucks Please visit: TMT Toolbox.