Carbide Grade and Substrate Control
Sub-micron and ultra-fine carbide selected per application, with incoming hardness and grain size verified before grinding starts.
The substrate decides the ceiling of everything else. A coating cannot rescue a substrate that is too coarse for the hardness, or too brittle for the interruption. Grades are selected per application and verified on arrival, because a rod that is out of specification is not something you discover at the machine three weeks later.
Grades we work in
| Grade | Grain size | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| K10–K20 (micro-grain) | 0.6–0.8 µm | Aluminium, non-ferrous, drills and reamers |
| K20–K30 (sub-micron) | 0.4–0.6 µm | General steel milling, stainless, cast iron |
| K30–K40 (sub-micron) | 0.4–0.6 µm | Hardened steel, high-feed, interrupted cuts |
| K40+ (ultra-fine) | < 0.4 µm | 55–65 HRC finishing, superalloys, micro tools |
What it means for your order
- Incoming verification. Hardness and grain size checked before the rod is issued to a machine.
- Grade matched to the operation, including where a tougher grade trades a little wear resistance for edge survival.
- Consistency between batches — the same grade is used for a re-order unless you ask us to change it.