Ferro-TiC® FAQ - Steel Bonded Carbide Machining Questions

Ferro-TiC® alloys move very little during heat treatment because of the stable carbides in their structure.  For example, Ferro-TiC® Grade C will grow approximately .0005 inch per linear inch.  Grade CM will shrink approximately .001 inch per linear inch.

Since stock removal is more rapid on annealed material, where possible all machining and grinding should be done in this condition.  Where very close tolerance must be maintained, sufficient grinding stock should be allowed for removal after hardening.

Slender parts, thin walled rings or parts subject to heavy stock removal can be heat treated with minimum distortion when the following steps are used: in the annealed state they should be machined to .010" - .015" over the heat treat size, stress relieved, then machined to the heat treat size and hardened.

Cutting speed must be slow
Tools must be sharp and dry. Remove all oil before use.
Do not use cutting fluids
Maintain a heavy chip load – minimum .003" per cutting edge
Heavy depths of cut should be taken.

If shiny spots appear, make certain tools are dry and check insert for wear or chipped edge. If problem persists, reduce cutting speeds.

Question:  What are some parameters for lathe turning?
Response:  Tool Geometry: 0-5 degree negative back rake, 5 degree side rake, .030"

Question:  What are some parameters for milling?
Response:  Tool Material & Type: Solid or brazed insert cutters - Use High Speed Steel/Cobalt or Tungsten Carbide with a tool geometry of a general purpose type.  For Indexable Insert Cutters: Use Tungsten Carbide (C-5 Class or better) Tool geometry should be a double negative rake with a large lead angle.

Question:  Can you Tap Ferro-TiC®?
Repsonse:  We recommend that you drill for a 50% thread, apply an anti-seize compound to the tap and blow chips away with an air blast.  For through holes, tap through in a steady motion.  Do not "back off" like conventional tapping of steel.  For blind holes, "back off" to remove chips from hole before bottoming out.  Also, keep the length of thread to a minimum by relieving or counterboring.  A thread length of 1-1/2 times the diameter is sufficient.

Question:  My saw blades don’t seem to hold up.  Can you make a recommendation for sawing?
Response:  Tool geometry should be a 3 to 10 pitch blade, raker set.  Saw material can be a hard back carbon steel or high speed steel bi-metal.  Remember the cutting speed should be slow (30 sfm maximum) with a medium to heavy feed pressure.  Coolant: None

Question:  What is the heat treat cycle?
Response:  The chart below defines the heat treat cycle by grade: