In the woodworking industry, tungsten carbide knives used on the tools are really important, with great hardness, sharpnees, and long life, what makes it a better knife? of course the materials will be the significant reason, here, we well tell from the basic raw materials of the tungsten caribide blades, to let you know the reason.
The core materials of carbide woodworking tools consist of a hard phase (high-hardness carbides) and a bonding phase (metal binder), supplemented by additives to optimize performance. The specific classifications and functions are as follows:
I. Core Raw Materials
1. Hard Phase (85%–97%)
Tungsten Carbide (WC):
- Core Function: Provides ultra-high hardness (HRA 89–94) and wear resistance. Accounts for 70%–97% of the hard phase.
- Grain Size Effect:
Coarse Grain (3–5μm): Superior toughness (Transverse Rupture Strength ≥2.2 GPa), suitable for impact machining (e.g., cutting hardwoods).
Fine Grain (0.5–1μm): Increased hardness (HRA 93.5), wear resistance ↑30% (preferred for finishing tools).
Titanium Carbide (TiC) / Tantalum Carbide (TaC):
- Function: TiC enhances red hardness (resistance to 1000°C); TaC refines grain structure and resists thermal cracking (e.g., for processing laminated hardwoods).
- Addition Amount: 5%–10% (TiC), 3%–5% (TaC). Excess amounts reduce toughness.
2. Bonding Phase (3%–15%)
Cobalt (Co):
- Core Function: Enhances toughness. Increased Co content improves impact resistance (Transverse Rupture Strength reaches 2.2 GPa at 15% Co).
- Limitation: Content >12% reduces wear resistance (hardness decreases to ~HRA 89).
Nickel (Ni):
- Function: Replaces Co to reduce cost, offers better corrosion resistance (suitable for wood with moisture content >15%).
- Performance: Toughness is approximately 80% of Co-based equivalents, hardness HRA 89.5 (economical tool option).
II. Relationship Between Material Composition and Tool Performance
The performance (hardness, toughness, wear resistance) of carbide woodworking tools is directly determined by the WC/Co ratio, additive types, and grain size. Key composition-performance relationships and supporting experimental data are summarized below:
| Composition Scheme | Hardness (HRA) |
Transverse Rupture Strength (MPa) |
Wear Resistance Index (Baseline=100) |
Applicable Scenario |
| WC 94% + Co 6% | 92.5 | 1,500 | 100 | Finishing (MDF/Particle Board) |
| WC 88% + Co 12% | 89 | 2,200 | 75 | Roughing (Hardwood/Knotty Wood) |
| WC 85% + Co 10% + TaC 5% | 91.2 | 1,800 | 110 | High-Speed Cutting (Laminated Wood) |
| WC 90% + Ni 10% | 89.5 | 1,700 | 80 | Wood with Moisture Content >15% (Corrosion Resistant) |
As discussed in previous articles, the price increase of raw materials for carbide tools in 2025 results from a combination of supply-demand imbalance, resource strategization, international competition, and industrial upgrading. A significant price drop is unlikely in the short term. Feel free to contact Chengdu Huaxin Carbide for price inquiries and carbide tool solutions for various industries.
About Huaxin:Tungsten Carbide Cemented Slitting Knives Manufacturer
CHENGDU HUAXIN CEMENTED CARBIDE CO.,LTD are a professional supplier and manufacturer of tungsten carbide products, such as carbide insert knives for woodworking,carbide circular knives for tobacco&cigarette filter rods slitting,round knives for corugatted cardboard slitting ,three hole razor blades/slotted blades for packaging ,tape,thin film cutting,fiber cutter blades for textile industry etc.
With over 25 years development, our products have been exported to U. S. A, Russia, South America,India,Turkey,Pakistan,Australia,Southeast Asia etc. With excellent quality and competitive prices, Our hard working attitude and responsiveness are approved by our customers. And we would like to establish new business relationships with new customers.
Contact us today and you will enjoy benefits of good quality and services from our products!
The high performance tungsten carbide industrial blades products
Custom Service
Huaxin Cemented Carbide manufactures custom tungsten carbide blades, altered standard and standard blanks and preforms, starting from powder through finished ground blanks. Our comprehensive selection of grades and our manufacturing process consistently delivers high-performance, reliable near-net shaped tools that address specialized customer application challenges across diverse industries.
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Customer common questions and Huaxin answers
That depends on the quantity, generally 5-14days. As an industrial blades manufacturer, Huaxin Cement Carbide plans the production by orders and customers' requests.
Usually 3-6 weeks, if you request customized machine knives or industrial blades that are not in stock at the time of purchasing. Find Sollex Purchase & Delivery Conditions here.
if you request customized machine knives or industrial blades that are not in stock at the time of purchasing. Find Sollex Purchase & Delivery Conditions here.
Usually T/T, Western Union...deposits firstm, All first orders from new customers are prepaid. Further orders can be paid by invoice...contact us to know more
Yes, contact us, Industrial knives are available in a variety of forms, including top dished, bottom circular knives, serrated / toothed knives, circular perforating knives, straight knives, guillotine knives, pointed tip knives, rectangular razor blades, and trapezoidal blades.
To help you get the best blade, Huaxin Cement Carbide may give you several sample blades to test in production. For cutting and converting flexible materials like plastic film, foil, vinyl, paper, and others, we provide converting blades including slotted slitter blades and razor blades with three slots. Send us a query if you're interested in machine blades, and we'll provide you with an offer. Samples for custom-made knives are not available but you are most welcome to order the minimum order quantity.
There are many ways that will prolong the longevity and shelf life of your industrial knives and blades in stock. contact us to know about how proper packaging of machine knives, storage conditions, humidity and air temperature, and additional coatings will protect your knives and maintain their cutting performance.
Post time: Nov-26-2025
