In the field of metal cutting, cutting tools are known as the “teeth of industry”. They directly determine the processing accuracy, efficiency, and cost. High-speed steel cutting tools have been developed for over a hundred years. Facing the challenges from cemented carbide and super-hard materials, they have not been eliminated. On the contrary, through technological upgrades and precise positioning, they have successfully transformed into key tools in complex and high-toughness scenarios.
The core advantage of high-speed steel tools is not the cutting speed
Many people think that high-speed steel is outdated. This view is not accurate. The real strength of high-speed steel does not lie in pursuing the ultimate cutting speed. Its strong points are high fracture toughness and excellent bending strength. In addition, it also has very good regrindability.
These characteristics make it dominant in complex cutting tools such as gear hobs, shapers and broaches. When subjected to intermittent cutting impacts, high-speed steel has a much better edge-chipping resistance than cemented carbide. Under conditions where machine rigidity is insufficient or vibration is significant, high-speed steel tools perform stably. Its purchase cost is only 30% to 50% of that of cemented carbide. Moreover, it can be reground 10 to 30 times. This economy is irreplaceable by cemented carbide.
The upgrading of the industrial chain supports the transformation of high-speed steel cutting tools. The upstream industry of high-speed steel in China has formed a clear pattern. Hechi Technology and Tiangong International are the two leading enterprises. The proportion of powder metallurgy high-speed steel has increased to 10% to 12%. This material has higher uniformity and red hardness.
The midstream tool manufacturing sector shows a specialized distribution. Enterprises such as Hengfeng Tools, Hanjiang Tools and Harbin No.1 Tool have established technological barriers in the fields of broaches and gear tools. These products are widely used in high-end manufacturing areas such as automotive transmissions, aircraft engines and construction machinery.
High-speed steel is irreplaceable in the three major market segments.
Although its share in the general high-speed cutting field has declined, high-speed steel still maintains a penetration rate of 50% to 70% in the following three market segments.
First, complex forming processing. Tools such as gears and broaches have complex shapes and extremely high requirements for material toughness. High-speed steel is the most reliable choice.
Second, high toughness demand scenarios. Under intermittent cutting and impact loads, carbide is prone to chipping. High-speed steel, however, shows a distinct advantage.
Third, cost-sensitive processing. In small and medium batch production and repair processing, the low purchase cost and regrindability of high-speed steel significantly reduce the unit cost.
Future Direction: From Low-Price Consumables to High-Value-Added Services
High-speed steel cutting tools have not ceased to evolve. The application of powder metallurgy technology has enhanced material performance. PVD and AlCrN coatings have further improved wear resistance and anti-bonding capabilities. At the same time, the management services for the entire life cycle of cutting tools are on the rise.
This means that high-speed steel cutting tools are shifting from “low-cost consumables” to “high-value-added technical services”. Even if the market share remains stable at 15% to 25% in the future, the unit value and profit margin will continue to increase.
Conclusion
High-speed steel cutting tools have not been phased out by new materials such as cemented carbide. Through material upgrades, process optimization, and specialized segmentation, they have successfully transformed into irreplaceable precision processing solutions. Their core value lies in the unique combination of toughness, economy, and regrindability. In an industrial landscape where high-end manufacturing and basic processing coexist, high-speed steel cutting tools will continue to maintain a lasting and stable strategic position.
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