If you're involved in machining metals, then it's advantageous to purchase carbide inserts. They can lead to faster machining and also leave high-quality finishes on metals. If you're looking to purchase a set, keep this guide in mind.

Shape

Today, there are a lot of different shapes for carbide inserts and the shape pretty much determines that angle of cuts you can make. It's important to get the right shape because if you don't, your cuts may not turn out as you hoped and then you would have to spend more money on materials.

So that you have a better idea of what shape to go with, try assessing your particular operations. What sort of cuts are you trying to make and what metals are you working with? Once you know exactly what it is you're trying to do, you'll know what carbide insert shape to choose.

Size

The size is another attribute you need to get down perfectly because if you get this wrong, the carbide may not even fit on your machining tool. Or, it may not provide the type of cuts you're looking for. So that you avoid both problems, see what carbide insert sizes are compatible with your particular machining tool.

You should be able to find this information out quickly with a quick search. Or, you can just talk to a carbide insert manufacturer or supplier to get a recommendation. Taking this precaution will ensure the size of the carbide insert is perfect.

Manufacturer

The quality of your carbide inserts will depend a lot on who you purchase from. Thus, it's recommended to spend some time looking for a manufacturer you can trust and has a positive reputation in this industry. Then, you can worry less about ending up with carbide inserts that don't end up working out long-term.

Additionally, you want a manufacturer that offers fair rates on their insert inventory. The best way to find this out is to research the prices of different manufacturers. Then, you'll know pretty quickly if you're being charged fairly or not. The more time you spend looking for the right manufacturer, the better investment you can ultimately make. 

Carbide inserts are extremely helpful resources in the machining industry. If you need to purchase a set to make your machining operations easier to complete, then be sure to become an informed consumer. Only then can you avoid buyer's remorse later on.

For more information, contact a company like Olson Carbide.