An Introduction to Carbide Rectangular Blanks/Squares

Carbide rectangular blanks and squares are versatile workpiece materials used for machining complex parts and tooling. This guide provides a comprehensive look at carbide blank properties, grades, sizes, tolerances, applications, suppliers, and advantages/disadvantages.

Overview of Carbide Rectangular Blanks/Squares

  • Carbide blank rectangles and squares are unmachined carbide workpieces
  • Provide starting shape for machining complex carbide parts
  • Available in various carbide grades and sizes
  • Tighter tolerances than cast or forged stock
  • Used to machine dies, cutting tool blanks, wear parts, components
  • Allows optimized carbide grain orientation for application

Carbide blanks enable machining intricate parts from precise carbide shapes.

Grades of Carbide Blanks

Carbide blanks are available in these common grades:

Carbide Blank Grades

GradeDescriptionMain Uses
C2/C3Straight tungsten carbideGeneral purpose machining, forming/punching
C5Cobalt-enriched carbideWear parts, cutting tools
C6Fine grain carbideCutting tools, drawing dies
C10High cobalt carbideSevere wear parts
C12Nano-grain carbidePrecision cutting tools

The grade is selected based on required hardness, toughness, and wear needs.

Carbide Rectangular Blanks/Squares

Blank Sizes and Tolerances

Blanks are produced in standardized sizes with tight tolerances:

Blank Sizes

  • Thickness: 0.5″ to 4″ typically
  • Width: 0.5″ to 8″ typically
  • Length: 0.5″ to 16″ typically
  • Custom lengths/widths possible

Tolerances

  • Thickness tolerance: +/- 0.001″ to 0.005″
  • Width/Length tolerance: +/- 0.001″ to 0.010″
  • Squareness tolerance: 0.001″ to 0.002″ per inch
  • Custom tolerances available

Precise sizing allows optimizing raw material usage in machining.

Applications of Carbide Blanks

  • Cutting tool blanks – drills, end mills, reamers, burrs
  • Injection molding components – cores, cavities, components
  • Metal forming/punching dies – draw, blanking, extrusion dies
  • Wear parts – nozzles, pump/valve components, plungers
  • Precision parts – gears, cams, fixtures, spacers

Carbide blanks enable optimized grain alignment for the application.

Suppliers and Pricing

Leading carbide blank manufacturers include:

Carbide Blank Suppliers

SupplierDescription
KennametalGlobal carbide supplier. Grades include C2, C5, C6.
Mitsubishi MaterialsBroad carbide blanks line. Grades from C2 to C12.
CeratizitC2 through C10 and nano-grain grades.
Tunco ManufacturingWide range of common to custom blank sizes.
Midwest CarbideSpecializes in smaller quantity orders.

Pricing

Price varies based on blank grade, size, tolerances and quantity:

  • C2 blanks: $8 – $12 per inch3
  • C5 blanks: $10 – $15 per inch3
  • C10/C12 blanks: $15 – $30 per inch3
  • Tighter tolerances command premium pricing

Contact suppliers directly for volume discounts.

Pros and Cons of Carbide Blanks

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Tighter tolerances than cast/forged stockHigher cost than carbide plate/bar
Optimized carbide grain alignmentLimited sizes may increase waste
Uniform properties and workabilityHigher machining time than standard shapes
Reduces machining scrap and stepsLonger lead times for custom sizes
Wide range of grades and sizesDifficult to machine complex internal features

Carbide blanks provide precision starting material despite some limitations.

Carbide Blanks vs. Plate and Bar

ParameterCarbide BlanksCarbide Plate/Bar
TolerancesVery tight – 0.001-0.005″Wider tolerances – 0.010-0.020″
PriceHigher per in3Lower per in3 due to shape
Lead timeLonger for custom sizesShorter for standard sizes
Grain structureCan align to forcesRandom orientation
MachiningRequires finishing all surfacesHalf or more surfaces finished
Scrap rateLower scrap potentialHigher scrap rates

Carbide blanks offer precision but at higher raw material cost.

FAQ

What are carbide blanks used for?

Carbide blanks provide precision starting material for machining cutting tools, dies, molds, wear parts that require optimized carbide grain alignment.

What grade of carbide is best for cutting tools?

Fine grain grades like C6 and nano-grain grades like C12 offer the best combination of hardness, strength and edge sharpness for cutting tools.

What tolerance can carbide blanks be manufactured to?

Standard carbide blank tolerances are +/- 0.001″ to 0.005″. Precision tolerances down to +/- 0.0005″ are possible for critical applications.

How are carbide blanks made?

Carbide blanks are produced via powder metallurgy methods. Carbide powder is pressed and sintered into net shape or near-net shape blanks.

What is the difference between carbide plate and blanks?

Carbide plate starts as cast plate stock sliced to size. Blanks are pressed/sintered to finished blank dimensions. Blanks offer tighter tolerances and aligned grain.

Carbide rectangular blanks provide a precision foundation for machined carbide components.

Conclusion

Carbide rectangular blanks offer an advantageous starting point for machining critical carbide parts and tooling. Tight dimensional tolerances and optimized carbide grain alignment reduce scrap and improve performance. Major global suppliers provide standard and custom blank sizes in grades engineered for wear resistance, toughness, and hardness. While costlier than plate or bar stock, carbide blanks allow optimizing raw material usage and properties. Their precision enables lighter and stronger designs across industries like aerospace, automotive, and general engineering. Carbide blanks will continue seeing strong demand as technology pushes boundaries further.

know more Tungsten carbide

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