When cermet as carbide-saving option makes sense

Critical raw materials When cermet as carbide-saving option makes sense

2026-03-26 Source: Tungaloy 1 min Reading Time

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With critical raw materials under pressure, manufacturers are taking a closer look at where carbide is truly needed. Tungaloy argues that in finishing and light semi-finishing, cermet can deliver the required surface quality and process stability while reducing dependence on carbide.

Cermet offers a targeted way to reduce carbide use in finishing operations while maintaining surface quality, wear resistance and process stability.(Source: Tungaloy) — Cermet offers a targeted way to reduce carbide use in finishing operations while maintaining surface quality, wear resistance and process stability.
(Source: Tungaloy)

As access to critical raw materials becomes increasingly constrained, manufacturers are re-evaluating how cutting tool materials are used across different machining stages. While carbide remains essential for many operations, its widespread use is not always technically necessary, particularly in finishing processes.

In these applications, the focus shifts from load capacity to process stability, surface quality, and efficient material usage. This is where, according to Tungaloy, cermet becomes a rational and engineered alternative.

Carbide is indispensable in rough and heavy cutting. However, finishing operations typically involves shallow depths of cut, high cutting speeds, low cutting loads and continuous or lightly interrupted cuts. Under these conditions, the full toughness and material volume of carbide are often underutilized.

Cermet — derived from ceramic and metallic components — is engineered specifically for this operating window. By reducing reliance on carbide while maintaining cutting performance, it offers a practical response to material scarcity without compromising machining results, the company states.

As Cermet is not a universal substitute, its value lies in correct application.

Optimal use cases include:

Finishing and light semi-finishing

Continuous cutting and light interruption

Stable machining conditions

Operations where surface finish is critical

When applied within this range and supported by appropriate cutting conditions, productivity can be maintained while improving surface consistency and tool wear predictability.

Tungaloy Corporation offers a focused cermet lineup designed for finishing and light cutting operations in steels and alloy-steels:

NS9530 – Balanced toughness and wear resistance for stable finishing to medium cutting

GT9530 – Optimized for surface finish and wear resistance in precision finishing

AT9530 – Designed for alloy steels, delivering consistent surface quality in continuous cutting

Rather than expanding grade complexity, this lineup is structured to cover typical finishing conditions with clarity and predictability.

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