Karbidspiss

Karbidspiss is a term used for a carbide-tipped insert or tip used on cutting tools. It typically refers to a hard carbide material, most commonly tungsten carbide, bound with a metallic binder such as cobalt, which is attached to a steel shank or tool body to form a cutting edge.

Most karbidspiss are produced by powder metallurgy: tungsten carbide powder is mixed with a binder and sintered at high temperature to form a dense, hard substrate. The carbide body is then brazed or cemented to the tool shank, or formed as replaceable indexable inserts in various shapes and sizes. The combination of extreme hardness and good heat resistance makes carbide tips suitable for high-speed operations and extended tool life.

Common uses include carbide-tipped saw blades for woodworking and metalworking, drill bits, milling cutters, turning inserts, and chisels. Advantages include very high hardness, wear resistance, and the ability to run at higher cutting speeds and temperatures than many other tool materials. Disadvantages include brittleness, making the tips susceptible to chipping or cracking if subjected to impact or improper cooling. Edge re-sharpening is generally not practical; worn tips are replaced or rotated.

Grades and geometries vary to match materials and operations. Replaceable carbide inserts are often standardized in shapes and rake angles, allowing quick changes in tooling without full tool replacement. Safety considerations include proper handling to avoid chipping, and dust control when machining carbide components.