May 9 2005
Freud America, Inc., a leader in the production of high quality woodworking carbide for over 50 years, has revolutionized carbide production yet again by introducing TiCo Hi-Density Carbide, a new specially formulated Titanium Cobalt Carbide designed to maximize performance on all of their bits and blades. TiCo Hi-Density Carbide is much smaller and more densely packed than other carbides on the market today, enabling the carbide teeth on Freud's blades, bits and cutters to last up to four times longer than standard products. With over 20 different blends of TiCo Hi-Density Carbide - designed specifically for each cutting application - Freud has once again broken the mold and set a new standard in cutting tool technology.
Manufacturing various carbide formulations internally enables Freud to produce an extremely dense, ultra-fine MicroGrain end-product, adjusting each blend perfectly for the application for which it is designed while sustaining 100% quality control. A higher density premium quality carbide allows for a sharper edge that gives a better finish with a dramatically longer cutting life. And, since the grains are much smaller there is not as dramatic a loss to the cutting edge, so wear occurs much more slowly. Large grain carbides cannot be sharpened to such tight tolerances and as a result leave a rougher finish. Plus, the cutting edge wears much more quickly due to larger pieces of material eroding away with use. In fact, after just a few cuts with standard carbides, life and finish begin to suffer.
"The smaller grains in the new TiCo carbide equal a much more dense tooth design which allows for a sharper, longer-lasting cutting edge than is available today," explains Russell Kohl, President and CEO of Freud America, Inc., "An average carbide can be as large as 4 or 5 microns in size. More advanced, micro-grain carbides measure 1.0 microns, Freud's new TiCo Hi-Density Carbide measures at .6 -.8 microns, which is 20-40% smaller. In addition, we were able to develop a special carbide for laminate cutting measuring in at .4 microns. TiCo Hi-Density Carbide also contains added growth inhibitors, which produce much more consistent carbide granules during the sintering (heating) process. All of this translates to razor-sharp cutters that produce an absolutely flawless finish with a controlled wear so they stay sharper up to 4 times longer."
In addition to producing the smaller carbide, Freud produces a different high-density blend for each cutting application to maximize blade life and material finish. Using precise mixtures of cobalt (for impact resistance), titanium (for its anti-corrosive properties), tungsten (for its hardness), and a number of proprietary elements, Freud-made carbides are designed to produce the best finish and life for their particular purpose. Blends range from highly impact resistant for durability that is required applications such as ripping to extremely hard for maintaining a sharp edge in laminate cutting, for example. Other carbide that is purchased "off-the-shelf" is usually non-specific and therefore will not maintain the proper tooth geometry or sharp edge.
Freud also designs its own molds for maximum carbide size, creating extra large teeth—another advantage to manufacturing its own carbides. Freud's cutters and teeth are up to 50% larger than standard carbide teeth resulting in up to 4 times more sharpenings. Most companies that purchase carbide tips from suppliers are forced to use smaller size teeth resulting in less sharpenings and shorter tool life. All of the intricate processes that go into the creation of each specific blend and the production of the teeth require systematic research, expertise, substantial plant space, and a significant investment.
"We have a 50,000 square foot plant dedicated solely to the production of carbide. Our field scientists begin the process by spending each day in our research centers determining which elements such as cobalt, tungsten and titanium are appropriate for every different formula," asserts Kohl. "For over 50 years, Freud has been and continues to be committed to pioneering superior cutting tools and by overseeing the product development from start to finish, so we are able to guarantee the highest quality, most advanced products in the industry."
An industry leader for more than 50 years, Freud America, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of superior carbide cutting tools for the woodworking industry. Freud's full line of high-quality woodworking tools includes saw blades, router bits, shaper cutters, power tools, and more. For additional information on any Freud products, visit www.freudtools.com or contact customer service at 800-472.7307.