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Tried ceramic end mills vs carbide on some hardened steel parts last month, the difference was night and day
I was running some D2 tool steel parts for a mold shop in Cleveland, about a 40 piece run. Usually I use carbide but my supplier was out of the size I needed so I grabbed some ceramic ones on a whim. First thing I noticed was the heat - ceramic handles it way better, no coolant needed actually. Got through all 40 parts with barely any wear on the tool. Carbide would have needed swapping at least 3 times. Anyone else run ceramic for hard stuff or is it just me?
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rowan_hayes5d ago
Just watch your speeds and feeds, ceramic likes it fast and light cuts.
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harper_wells5d ago
Glad to hear it worked out for you on that D2 run, that's no joke to push through 40 pieces without a swap. I've been hearing more guys talk about ceramic for hard stuff lately but haven't had the guts to try it myself yet. Your experience makes me want to give it a shot next time I'm in a bind.
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