The second half of 2025 witnessed a dramatic rally in the tungsten market. The continuous price surge of Tungsten Carbide (WC) raw materials has led to a significant spike in the procurement costs of cemented carbide CNC tools. For manufacturing enterprises, controlling production costs has become a severe challenge.
However, a strategic opportunity lies within this crisis. Many manufacturers have yet to realize that in specific machining scenarios—particularly finishing and semi-finishing—Cermet (Ceramic-Metal) Inserts are not just a substitute for carbide; they are an upgrade.
At More Super Hard, we provide high-performance cermet inserts. In the current volatile market, we offer a solution that delivers controllable costs, superior performance, and stable delivery schedules.
Why Cermet? The Performance Advantage
Cermet is a composite material composed of ceramic (TiC/TiN) and metallic binder phases. Unlike traditional Tungsten Carbide, it offers unique properties that make it ideal for modern precision machining:
1. Extreme Hardness & Wear Resistance: With a room-temperature hardness of HRA 90-93, cermet is significantly harder than conventional carbide, ensuring longer tool life in abrasive conditions.
2. Chemical Stability: Cermet has low affinity to steel, meaning it has strong anti-adhesion properties. It effectively prevents the formation of a Built-Up Edge (BUE), ensuring a clean cut.
3. Superior Surface Finish: Due to its stability and hardness, cermet can achieve mirror-like surface quality, often eliminating the need for subsequent grinding.
4. Price Stability: Cermet relies less on tungsten resources. This makes its price far more stable and predictable compared to the fluctuating carbide market.
Proven Results: Moresuperhard Cermet Case Studies
Talk is cheap; performance is everything. Below are three recent case studies comparing Moresuperhard Cermet Inserts against leading competitor carbide inserts.
Case 1: Gear Blank Machining (Roughing & Finishing)
We replaced a standard carbide insert in a gear manufacturing application. The Moresuperhard Cermet demonstrated exceptional wear resistance.
● Workpiece: 20CrNiMo (Gear Blank)
● Hardness: HRC 28-32
● Operation: Turning (Face + OD)
● Competitor: WNMG080404 (Carbide)
● Our Solution: Moresuperhard Cermet (WNMG080404)
● Cutting Data: Vc=350 m/min, f=0.12 mm/rev, ap=1-1.5 mm (Wet)
● Result:
◇Competitor: 13 parts/edge
◇Moresuperhard: 28 parts/edge
◇Verdict: 2x+ Tool Life Improvement.
Case 2: Forged Bearing Ring (Roughing & Finishing)
In the bearing industry, consistency is key. Our specialized chipbreaker -PQ combined with the Moresuperhard Cermet grade outperformed a major brand's cermet-coated carbide.
● Workpiece: ZGCr15 (Forged Ring)
● Hardness: HRC 32-35
● Operation: Face + Chamfer + OD Turning
● Competitor: CNMG120404-MT (Carbide)
● Our Solution: Moresuperhard Cermet
● Cutting Data: Vc=100-140 m/min, f=0.1-0.2 mm/rev, ap=0.1-0.5 mm (Wet)
● Result:
◇Competitor: 45 parts/edge
◇Moresuperhard: 80 parts/edge
◇Verdict: 1.7x+ Tool Life Improvement.
Case 3: Sliding Headstock Sleeve (Swiss-Type Machining)
For high-precision Swiss-type lathes, dimensional stability is paramount. We matched the performance of a premium Korean brand while offering a significant cost advantage.
● Workpiece: SCM4 (Shaft/Sleeve)
● Hardness: HRC 23-29
● Operation: Continuous Profiling Turning
● Competitor: Korean Brand (Tt) VNMG160408-XX
● Our Solution: Moresuperhard Cermet (VNMG160408)
● Cutting Data: Vc=120 m/min, f=0.08 mm/rev, ap=0.3 mm (Wet)
● Result:
◇Competitor: 300 parts/edge
◇Moresuperhard: 300 parts/edge
◇Verdict: Equivalent Tool Life with Better Cost Efficiency.
Conclusion
The rising cost of tungsten carbide doesn't have to eat into your margins. As demonstrated above, Moresuperhard Cermet Inserts not only mitigate the risk of raw material price hikes but often outperform traditional carbide in speed, finish, and tool life.
Ready to lower your costs and improve your finish?
Contact More Super Hard today to test our cermet solutions in your production line.
