1040 – 08 – Choosing the Right Tool for Your Material

Unfortunately, standard machinability ratings are not accurate at all times. There are too many different conditions and varieties of machines to find the perfect standard. One major complication is the chemistry between the material of the tool and the workpiece.

Some combinations of tools and materials force machinability to go down. Diamond is a carbon-based substance, as is steel, and therefore these two materials shouldn’t be used together. A combination of two materials that are less similar would function more efficiently. Carbide inserts often are used to machine multiple grades of steel.