What are Common Uses for Carbide

With so many types of carbide able to be produced, it’s no wonder that there are diverse applications for carbide, which in turn supplies a lot of opportunities for laser marking carbide. Let’s take a look at some standard uses: Machining – The metalworking field employs carbides regularly for tools such as drills, drill bits, saw blades, lathes, and more. Since carbides can withstand a lot more wear compared to tools without the coatings, the parts need to be replaced much less often. Additionally, with the temperature resistance of carbides, machines using components featuring them can work faster. Jewelry – Many jewelry stores and craftspeople are now offering jewelry options made from carbides since the materials can be as much as ten times harder than 18K gold. For customers who are worried about future scratches to rings or bracelets, this can be a worthwhile option. Mining – Overlapping with machining somewhat is mining, in that many of the same tools used in machining are also utilized by this field. Specialized tools developed specifically for mining, such as grinding and cutting tools, will also utilize carbides for the same reasons of strength, hardness, durability, and heat resistance. To save on costs, most often carbide is used on the teeth or tips of a piece, rather than the entire part itself. Healthcare – Surgical tools often utilize carbides since the hardness of the materials can make it ideal for precise cutting instruments. And while carbide instruments can be more expensive than their stainless steel counterparts, they are often prized as the better of the two options for surgical purposes. Oil and gas – Since the oil and gas field utilizes a lot of the same equipment seen in both machining and mining mentioned above, there’s definite overlap when it comes to uses of carbide. But the oil and gas field also values carbides for seals, rings, bearings, and more, along with the material’s ability to stand up in applications with low lubrication.

Laser Marking Carbide

Our laser systems are used in a variety of carbide marking applications.

Fiber lasers are ideal for creating bright white marks on carbide surfaces
Carbide is often used in the manufacture of cutting tools and drills for metalwork

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Marking Carbide

Carbide is a strong, dense material that is ideal for manufacturing a variety of cutting tools and drills used in the metalworking industry. It is also a popular material for jewelry such as men’s wedding bands.

We have experience in providing a variety of solutions to manufacturers who need to add branding and identification to their carbide products.

Carbide – It’s Not a Problem

Carbide cutting tools and drills for metalworking are easily marked with our fiber laser systems.

Create white surface marks on carbide cutting tools
Mark information on carbide drill shanks without causing surface disruption

All About Laser Engraving Carbide

Let’s take a look at laser engraving carbide and how TYKMA Electrox can best supply your operations with the right carbide laser engraver for your needs.

How Does Marking Technology Compare?

The four main types of marking technologies are laser, dot peen, inkjet, and electrochemical. How does each alternative method compare to laser marking and which could be the most accurate and effective solution for your application?

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Since we plugged it in it’s been working nonstop. Cut our production engraving times in half!

Michael Sigouin, Blowndeadline Custom Cerakote

It has been one of the best purchases we have ever made.

Adam Spiess, AMS Seals Inc.

The lasers we have purchased from TYKMA Electrox are very well engineered and nicely finished products.

Arthur Jones, Director of Manufacturing, Royal Products

The Best Solution for Laser Engraving Carbide Applications

For those who follow our blog regularly, they know that laser marking, engraving, and etching are utilized by diverse industries in countless applications. From time to time, we like to highlight some of these industries and applications to showcase the great benefits of the laser marking process.

So let’s take a look at laser engraving carbide and why TYKMA Electrox can supply your operations with the best carbide laser engraver for your needs.

Carbide Attributes

Carbides are substances that are composed of carbon and select types of metal. Carbide coatings, applied to a different metal piece (such as a drill bit), are some of the most common usages for a carbide compound.

Some of the common metals that are able to form carbides, which are then put to use for diverse purposes, include the following:

Titanium

Zirconium

Chromium

Tungsten

Hafnium

Niobium

Tantalum

Molybdenum

Iron is able to create a number of carbides, with cementite being present within steel. Lead and tin, meanwhile, are not able to form carbides independently (though titanium/tin mixtures have been seen).

Benefits of creating carbides include producing alloys that are resistant to heat, rust, scratches, and pitting. Many carbides also feature a high density with a hardness that is second only to diamonds, and a strength that surpasses steel.

Common Uses for Carbide

With so many types of carbide able to be produced, it’s no wonder that there are diverse applications for carbide, which in turn supplies a lot of opportunities for laser marking carbide. Let’s take a look at some standard uses:

Machining – The metalworking field employs carbides regularly for tools such as drills, drill bits, saw blades, lathes, and more. Since carbides can withstand a lot more wear compared to tools without the coatings, the parts need to be replaced much less often. Additionally, with the temperature resistance of carbides, machines using components featuring them can work faster.
Jewelry – Many jewelry stores and craftspeople are now offering jewelry options made from carbides since the materials can be as much as ten times harder than 18K gold. For customers who are worried about future scratches to rings or bracelets, this can be a worthwhile option.
Mining – Overlapping with machining somewhat is mining, in that many of the same tools used in machining are also utilized by this field. Specialized tools developed specifically for mining, such as grinding and cutting tools, will also utilize carbides for the same reasons of strength, hardness, durability, and heat resistance. To save on costs, most often carbide is used on the teeth or tips of a piece, rather than the entire part itself.
Healthcare – Surgical tools often utilize carbides since the hardness of the materials can make it ideal for precise cutting instruments. And while carbide instruments can be more expensive than their stainless steel counterparts, they are often prized as the better of the two options for surgical purposes.
Oil and gas – Since the oil and gas field utilizes a lot of the same equipment seen in both machining and mining mentioned above, there’s definite overlap when it comes to uses of carbide. But the oil and gas field also values carbides for seals, rings, bearings, and more, along with the material’s ability to stand up in applications with low lubrication.

Why Companies Choose to Laser Mark Carbide Products

Just like with other materials, the reasons that companies or hobbyists may choose to laser mark carbide or laser etch carbide can be quite diverse, but some common applications include the following:

Incorporating bar codes, date codes, and serial numbers
Marking time stamps
Supplying individual part numbers for traceability and assembly
Incorporating special industrial codes
Enhancing a product’s appeal with graphics and designs
Incorporating branding information
Personalizing objects for gifts and other uses

Along with all these applications when it comes to laser engraved carbide, companies and individuals also benefit from the quality and reliability of laser marking systems. Our state-of-the-art laser systems can offer:

Clean, crisp marks and engravings
Powerful fiber lasers
Fast cycle times
Marking that does not require costly consumables
Air-cooled, maintenance-free designs
Compact machine footprints with simple modular designs
Diverse accessories and safety equipment
Three-year warranties

Also, laser engraving carbide stands out compared to other marking methods such as dot peen, electrochemical, and inkjet for a wide variety of reasons, including:

Speed
Affordability
Precision
Final mark quality
Health and environmental concerns
Maintenance and convenience
Mobility

Be sure to read our comparison blog post to see how laser marking carbide outshines other methodologies.

Reach Out to Us for a Carbide Laser Engraver

If you’re looking for a system to laser engrave or laser mark carbide, or many other diverse materials, be sure to contact our team today. We will assess your operation’s needs and help you select the best model for you!

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