The right carbide inserts do a lot to ensure your machining applications go without a hitch. Also known called hardmetal or widia, these insert tool tips are made from cemented carbide. The material is tough and durable enough to withstand high temperatures which is why it’s ideal over other alloys like carbon steel or stainless steel.
If you’re shopping around for new tool inserts, here are buying tips to follow:
Determine function
Before you shop around for tool inserts for your machining processes, determine the function you want those inserts to perform, says Mold Making Resource. There is an extensive selection of inserts out in the market that perform a wide range of functions. Check your inventory and find out if you’re running low on other inserts as well. That way you can put in orders for more than one. Think about consolidating your orders to save on shipping costs.
Never compromise on quality
If you need to stock up on carbide inserts, be sure to choose a manufacturer that’s well-known for providing quality options. It might be tempting to simply go for a manufacturer that offers you the inserts you need at the lowest possible price. That’s not the best way to get durable and high-performance inserts, though. Also, if the prices of the tools were too good to be true, then they probably were.
Ask about delivery times
Some companies that offer inserts at low price points source these products from overseas. That’s going to mean you’re going to need to wait as much as 2 or 3 weeks for the delivery to get to your door. Can’t wait that long? If you need those inserts—and you need them as soon as possible—then consider engaging the services of a company that might charge a bit more. Considering that you’ll be getting high-quality inserts in exchange means that’s a pretty good trade-off.
