Welcome back to another GWS Manufacturing 101! This will be covering whiskered ceramic inserts, also known as whisker-reinforced ceramic inserts. We will explain what they are, their properties, and where they are commonly used in the manufacturing industry.

What are whiskered ceramic inserts? Whiskered ceramic inserts are ceramic cutting tool inserts that are reinforced with whiskers, which are thin, rod-shaped fibers made of materials such as silicon carbide or alumina. The addition of whiskers to the ceramic material gives it enhanced toughness and resistance to fracturing, allowing for improved cutting performance and longer tool life.

Properties of whiskered ceramic inserts: 

• • High Hardness: Like traditional ceramic inserts, whiskered ceramic inserts have a high hardness, which enables them to cut hard materials such as cast iron, and Inconel.
  • Improved Toughness: The addition of whiskers to the ceramic material makes it tougher, which results in increased resistance to fracturing and chipping.
  • High-Temperature Resistance: Whiskered ceramic inserts can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for high-speed machining and other high-temperature applications.

Applications of whiskered ceramic inserts:

• • Aerospace: Whiskered ceramic inserts are commonly used in the aerospace industry for machining difficult-to-cut materials such as titanium and Inconel.
  • Automotive: The automotive industry uses whiskered ceramic inserts for machining high-strength steels and other tough materials used in engine components and drivetrain parts.
  • General Machining: Whiskered ceramic inserts are also used in general machining applications where high-speed cutting and long tool life are required.

As you now know, whiskered ceramic inserts are ceramic cutting tool inserts that are reinforced with whiskers, giving them enhanced toughness, high hardness, and high-temperature resistance. They are commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and general machining industries for cutting hard and difficult-to-cut materials. If you need a cutting tool insert that can handle tough materials, whiskered ceramic inserts may be a good choice.

Interested in finding out more information about our standard and custom tools? Consider contacting the experts who make Custom Come Standard, and let us find the perfect cutting tool for you. Just send us an email at sales@gwstoolgroup.com to get started!