Trends in use of carbide tools

Carbide tool use, notably the use of coated WC, is growing at a faster rate than the economy. A user survey showed that WC accounts for 70 percent and its usage is increasing, for the entire range of applications, from cutting small screws to nuclear equipment. Titanium carbide-coated WC accounts for 14 percent and is being used even more for greater tool life or higher speeds. Solid TiC with 5 percent usage is employed for higher cutting speeds. Ceramics usage has stabilized with some decline and amounts to 5 percent