What type of cutting tool material is known for both hardness and wear resistance?

Carbide is known for its exceptional hardness and wear resistance, making it an ideal choice for cutting tools. The material is composed of tungsten carbide or silicon carbide and exhibits a high level of toughness while maintaining a sharp cutting edge. This durability allows carbide tools to withstand the heavy stresses and high temperatures encountered during metal cutting operations, leading to longer tool life and improved cutting performance.

While high-speed steel also has good hardness and wear resistance, it does not typically match the performance of carbide under high-speed conditions. Plastic, on the other hand, lacks the necessary hardness and wear resistance required for cutting applications, making it unsuitable as a cutting tool material. Ceramic materials, although also hard and wear-resistant, can be brittle, which limits their suitability in various cutting scenarios compared to carbide. Therefore, carbide stands out as the preferred material when both hardness and wear resistance are critical for cutting tools.